Bath Life – Issue 452

TAKE ME

ISSUE 452 / 10 – 23 SEPTEMBER 2021 / THE AGE OF AQUARIUM

ISSUE 452 / 10 – 23 SEPTEMBER 2021 / £3

NEWS FEED

A HIDDEN GEM

FROM POLDARK TO PEACOCKS, EXPLORING CORSHAM

IN GREAT SHAPE WELLNESS IN OUR SPA CITY, BOTH THEN AND NOW

THE GLORIOUS GREAT BATH FEAST IS BACK

SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT EDUCATION SPECIAL

VALLEY GIRL

ANN HIATT ON WORKING WITH THE SILICON GIANTS

A STEP UP

THE MANY GOOD-CAUSE WALKS OF BATH

GORGEOUS HOMEWARE YOU’LL FALL FOR – HOOK, LINE AND SINKER

PLUS LUNAR LOVE CHOCOLATE / THE CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL / D’ORO HOUSE

© CHRIS DAW

EDITOR’S LETTER

Corsham (page 70)

BELOW: There’s something fishy about

our editor’s choice (page 68)

S

chools are back. This can mean many things to many people. If you’re a on-theroad commuter it means a rant about the traffic. If you’re under the age of 18, it’s whining about having to get up before noon. If you’re a parent it means the pop of a Champagne cork, huge gulping sighs of relief, and an undying gratitude to an incredible and forever evolving education system. We feature just a few of our great local schools over on page 18, and you might be able to guess which category I’m in if I tell you I read the article whilst swigging copious amounts of Champagne.

I actually now have a new type of favourite Champagne thanks to the Bath restaurant Bar Breton – an apple ‘champagne’ which I sampled during a visit (page 62). We also took a trip to nearby charming Corsham and whilst we didn’t get to see a dashing Poldark, as this is the location for the BBC drama, we got better than that – a proud peacock strutting about like he owned the place, which, if you turn to page 70, turns out he does.

There’s also a fish themed editor’s choice shopping page starting on page 67 (inspired by the aforementioned back to school special – geddit?!) along with round ups of the upcoming Children’s Literature Festival (page 52) and The Great Bath Feast (page 64), and Bath’s Wellness Weekend (page 56). All this plus word from the arts scene, inspiring business interviews, and the latest property news.

All in all an A* issue. Behave at the back please, and see me in two weeks.

© CHRIS DAW

ABOVE: We go roaming around

SARAH MOOLLA

Follow us on Twitter @BathLifeMag Instagram @bathlifemag

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 3

Issue 452 / 10-23 September 2021 COVER Aquarium Lush wallpaper by Graham Brown, £65 per roll, stockists Davies of Bath, 19A Monmouth Place, Bath; www.rabart.co.uk

EDUCATION

98

18 BACK TO SCHOOL Teachers on what they’re most

looking forward to this term

THE ARTS

39 ARTS INTRO Rosetti’s inspiring women 40 WHAT’S ON Theatre, music, family stuff, comedy and art

in Bath and beyond

49 FILM September is here, and with it, at long last, the next

installment of James Bond

51 BOOKS Anticipated new season releases 52 CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Our must-see

author picks

56 WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND How to make the

most of our spa city this month

FOOD&DRINK

59 FOOD & DRINK Milsom Place welcomes two exciting

new eateries

60 TAKE 5 Kirsty Smith on hormones, health and chocolate 62 RESTAURANT Newbie on the scene Bar Breton 64 GREAT BATH FEAST Renowned local chefs are taking

the demo stage for the return of the popular foodie fest

SHOPPING

67 INTRO Buy our fishy cover art 68 EDITOR’S CHOICE Catch of the day 70 CORSHAM Locals share why they love this market town

BUSINESS

83 BATHWORKS News, views, and interviews from our

successful local businesses

86 BIZ Q&A GA Energy’s Helen Rumford 87 BIZ CLUB Leadership consultant Ann Hiatt on what she

learned working at Amazon and Google

18 62

PROPERTY

95 PROPERTY LEAD To the lighthouse 96 PROPERTY NEWS Updates from the market 98 SHOWCASE Explore a luxurious contemporary

masterpiece

DEPARTMENTS

7 SPOTLIGHT Raise funds for charity with a number of sponsored walks in support of good causes 17 FLATLINE Flats discovers the pitfalls of home renovation 106 LIVES Author Joanna Nadin on her school days, and

pretending to be John Prescott

Editor Sarah Moolla sarah.moolla@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy editor Lydia Tewkesbury lydia.tewkesbury@mediaclash.co.uk Managing editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash. co.uk Senior art editor Andrew Richmond Graphic design Megan Allison Cover design Trevor Gilham Contributors Nic Bottomley, Chris Daw, David Flatman, Emma Ingledew, John Mather and Matilda Walton Group advertising manager Pat White pat.white@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy advertising manager Justine Walker justine.walker@mediaclash. co.uk Account manager Annabel North annabel.north@mediaclash.co.uk Account manager Dan Nichols dan.nichols@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Production designer Matt Gynn matt.gynn@mediaclash. co.uk Chief executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Bath Life MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

4 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT Bath on foot

STEP UP In Bath, in September, we walk. Whether you’re looking to get fit, explore the local area or raise some money for a local good cause, this month there is something for you

Antony Gormley’s new work can be seen on the west front of Wells Cathedral

Wells Cathedral

BEYOND DOUBT

A new work by British sculptor Antony Gormley has been installed at Wells Cathedral. The west front of the Anglican cathedral is made from local stone, and centuries of weathering has resulted in a number of vacant niches. One, niche 338, is now occupied by the sculpture, named DOUBT, which is on loan from the artist for 18 months.

“I am very aware of the paradox of placing an object called DOUBT on the façade of a building devoted to belief, but it seems to me that doubting, interrogating, questioning, are all part of belief. For me doubt can be a positive force and the imaginative engine of future possibility,” says Antony.

For more: www.wellscathedral.org.uk

BATHSCAPE WALKING FESTIVAL, 11– 26 September The popular annual walking fest returns with a programme of themed walks for small groups, along with self-guided trails.

Walks vary in difficulty, so there’s something for all abilities. New for this year are walks tracing the story of Bath’s LGBTQ+ lives, activism and community, uncovering the city’s links to the Transatlantic slave trade, and telling the history of the Southdown housing development, seen as a model neighbourhood. www.bathscapewalkingfestival.co.uk BATH MARCHES, 18 September All about promoting a healthy active lifestyle while raising money for good causes, the Bath Marches offers a nine and 16-mile route that takes walkers on a historical adventure through Bath and the surrounding countryside. www.bathmarches.co.uk

CIRCUIT OF BATH, 26 September Julian House’s sponsored walk is now in its 20th year. A 20-mile circular route that takes in spectacular views of the city from points like Little Solsbury Hill and South Stoke Millennium Viewpoint, it also allows for walkers to choose their own distance from the five checkpoints along the route.

Thanks to event partners Bathscape and Cotswold National Landscape, walkers will also find coffee and cake stops along the way. www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk

Walks like the Circuit of Bath are a great chance to catch up with friends in beautiful countryside

WALK OF LIFE, 18 September Walk for the RUH at this popular walking marathon organised by the Forever Friends Appeal. With three routes to choose from – the full marathon, a 10-mile walk or a virtual marathon throughout the entire month of September – there’s no excuse not to get involved. www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk

Perfectly Instagrammable routes

Fashion Museum

IN THE BAG

The Fashion Museum is raising funds ahead of its big move out of The Assembly Rooms in 2023

The Fashion Museum has launched a new fundraising campaign.

The Buy-a-Bag campaign aims to raise £17,500 for 1,400 archival garment bags to help get the collection ready for its move out of the Assembly Rooms in 2023, when the National Trust will take over care and management of the building.

“The Buy-a-Bag campaign is one of the first ways the public can get involved in this once-in-a-generation move of the collection,” says Rosemary Harden, Fashion Museum manager.

“Your help will have a lasting impact. Packing and protecting the collection properly now means we can share more of it, and in new ways, after the move.”

Donors can choose from a range of rewards including private tours, the Fashion Museum guidebook and tote bag, and their name on the garment bag itself.

You can donate now on the Fashion Museum website.

For more: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 7

© BBC

SPOTLIGHT

Our Lives

UP IN THE AIR

A new BBC documentary showcases Somerset daredevil, Chris Bullzini. The gripping film tells the story of how Chris, from Evercreech, became one Britain’s top high wire artists.

Since the summer of 2019, cameras have followed Chris as he prepped for his greatest challenge to date – a 230-metre length tightrope walk, 20 metres high over Norwich city centre, with no safety net.

“It’s so real and you’re so alive when you’re up there.

I spend all of my time training not to die,” says Chris.

“I like to keep death in my mind, the more that you are aware that you’re going die, the better you live.”

The episode is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.

For more: www.bbc.co.uk

Somerset-based Chris Bullzini is one of the UK’s top high wire artists

RUH

The RUH will take the spotlight for a new BBC Radio 4 series from the hospital’s own Dr Phil Hammond – doctor, journalist, broadcaster and comedian. The show is all about the personal side of healthcare – the relationships, connections and humour that are the lesser discussed parts of life in a hospital.

“It’s been a real privilege to be involved with this series.

I’ve met so many wonderful people across all levels of the NHS and heard so many incredible stories,” says Phil. “One of the programmes focuses specifically on the RUH and it was wonderful to meet with so many people in the Trust – many that I hadn’t had the opportunity to speak to before.

“I hope people will like the series. It’s an affectionate look at the people that make the NHS the incredible organisation that it is, and how humour plays a vital part for staff when communicating with their patients and colleagues.”

In every episode, Phil Dr Phil Hammond has a new learns what makes staff radio show about life in NHS laugh and cry, and what hospitals including the RUH makes them so proud to work for the NHS – and ends with a stand-up performance with content based on stories he heard.

The four-part series broadcasts on Thursdays at 6.30pm. The episode about the RUH went out on 8 September, and you can listen again via the BBC Sounds app.

For more: www.bbc.co.uk

8 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Theatre Royal Bath

TREADING THE BOARDS The Theatre Royal Bath has announced two exciting new productions for 2022.

The Homecoming by Harold Pinter starring Mathew Horne and Keith Allen will come to the city 30 March – 9 April ahead of a UK-wide tour. Then, from 18-23 April, Bath favourite Penelope Keith returns to the Theatre Royal stage for the first time in a decade in a new production, Two Cigarettes in the Dark, also part of a UK tour. Tickets for both are on sale now.

The new staging of The Homecoming is directed by Jamie Glover and produced by Theatre Royal Bath Productions. It’s a bleakly funny exploration of family in which a man returns to his childhood home to find his father, uncle, and brothers all still living there.

Two Cigarettes in the Dark, meanwhile features Keith in the starring role and slowly reveals one woman, Isobel’s secrets, as she attempts to get her house in order.

For more: www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Mathew Horne

Keith Allen © HUGO GLENDINNING

TAKING OVER THE AIRWAVES

Penelope Keith

SPOTLIGHT

GOLDEN HOUR

When honey hues meet golden rays, Bath turns magical

@_sam.hulbert

@ahappybathonian

@benreed1986

@dunkablebath

@thebathexplorer

@jesperekelundphotography

@rhianwirtz

@edwrightphotography

@tobypentreath.photography

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 11

SCENE T H E L AT E S T A DV E N T U R E S I N PA R T Y- GO I N G AC ROSS BAT H Zoe Gibbon and Helen Bassett

Emily, Liv, and Ruby Chloe Fear, Emeline Nelson, Killian Vick, Lewis Vick, Amy Lees, Harry Flower, and Billie Hilsdon

Twinnie Ben Hutcheson, winner of Bath Introduces Talent competition

Seth Lakeman

GRAND FINALE

Harriet and Adam

Bath Recreation Ground was the scene of a spectacular two-day musical event on 7 – 8 August, the Bath Festival Finale. Along with a bar and food stalls, headliners on the Saturday included McFly, Gabrielle and Scouting For Girls, while the Sunday saw Seth Lakeman, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, and Billy Ocean bringing joy to the upbeat Bath crowd.

Photos by Lloyd Evans and Ellis Reed www.lloydevansphotography.com / Instagram @ellisreed

Lea Kennedy, Charles, Natalee Bullimore, Abbey Thompson and Sharon Mays

There was a proper party atmosphere at the Bath Rec

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 13

Attention Business Owners and Directors Do you need more than just accounts and tax returns from your accountant?

Being able to prepare your MTD returns, accounts and tax returns is a given for a professional firm.

Seven Reasons why hundreds return to PG Owen Ltd each year.

But can your accountant help you make more money?

4 Free advice sheets and newsletters to help your business grow

Does your accountant have experience working in your specialist field?

4 Advice from experienced qualified professionals

Does your accountant give you answers or just more questions?

4 In house mortgages, life, pensions and investment advice.

We are more than just your accountants; we are your complete business partners.

4 Clear fixed and guaranteed fees. When we say fixed we mean it

4 We speak to you in plain English 4 Full range of legal and probate services through our sister company 4 A unique one stop advice service for all businesses and individuals from cradle to grave and beyond!

Contact us now: 7 Northumberland Buildings, Wood Street, Bath BA1 2JB T: 01225 422183 E: bath@pgtax.co.uk

www.pgtax.co.uk

FLAT LINE DAVID FLATMAN

Plumbing the depths

© TAKING PICTURES

Flats despairs that there’s more to renovation than just buying a lovely plush sofa

“It all feels a little bit like lobbing some money into the air at high speed on a boat”

H

aving snuck inside Rishi’s stamp duty window in June and completed on a new house in town (well, an old house), things are starting to settle a touch and we’re starting to think a little more constructively about its renovation. There is a lot to do.

The house isn’t actually in bad nick at all, yet still there’s lots to do…

It didn’t even need verbalising that the plumbing should be the first big job to be tackled; the ScrewFix plunger waiting with ominous intent next to every loo tells its own story, as do the laminated instructions prohibiting heavy work in certain areas that cannot quite cope in the aftermath. So what you do is get a plumber in. Or in our case get an experienced builder in who could potentially manage the thing and ensure we don’t mess it up and end up wasting time and cash.

But it’s not so simple as choosing the cheapest of three quotes.

The first expert said the house needs totally replumbing, top to bottom, floorboards out, move into temporary accommodation, the lot. The next one said that was completely unnecessary and that he could get it all sorted in two days, and the last one said it was impossible to know how far the plumbing fix needed to go without a professional coming in to spend a day conducting various efficiency and pipe-based tests, effectively declaring the first two expert opinions guesses and nothing more. So we’re not much further on, to be frank, as the two-day option that is fully three quarters cheaper than the possibly unnecessary Full Metal Jacket option seems hugely appealing but we’ve now been scared into thinking the whole house will fall over if we don’t do the big job.

It’s a bit like taking your car into the garage because it’s making odd noises and losing power.

There are plenty of areas involved

in house renovations that we know a bit about, but a plumber – like a car mechanic – could tell us roughly anything. Not one of these men is fibbing; they’re all lovely and they all believe absolutely in their own prognoses, but that makes it harder. If only the most expensive quote had come from a dodgy geezer with shifty little eyes and a misspelled business card.

The fun bit is picking new showers and loos and taps and sinks, but that’s really the work of moments once the truly disruptive work has been done. There are Pinterest boards and a hundred WhatsApped photographs, but there is as yet no instructed plumber. We’ll take the plunge, so to speak, but it all feels a little bit like lobbing some money into the air at high speed on a boat.

You don’t quite know how much you’re going to lose.

To alleviate the nagging, lowlevel weighing up of said different options that might as well all be written in Latin, I have indeed been doing some fun bits. A lovely blush pink sofa bed has been ordered from Cox & Cox, as has a big French blue corner jobbie.

I’m not entirely sure where these sofas are going to go, but I am sure that I want to sit on them a lot so this felt like reason enough to plough on. This uncalculated approach to a renovation where every pound counts is probably the wrong one, but ordering some big things has also served to accelerate the decision making process with regards the loos that don’t work as loos, so I’m seeing it as a positive. Here’s to taking time with every decision, until I see something pretty. This could all go wrong…

David Flatman is an ex-Bath and England rugby star turned TV pundit and rent-o-mic. You can find more Flats on Twitter @davidflatman and Instagram @ dflatman

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 17

LIVE AND LEARN Finally, back to school with some normality. Bath’s teachers look ahead at what to expect this autumn

By Lydia Tewkesbury

18 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

EDUCATION

“We have a fantastic outdoor learning space that has been completed over the holidays”

There’s so much to look forward to in the new school term, from the St Margaret’s Prep new outdoor learning space (pictured) to the return of extra curriculars in their full glory

F

or the first time since the pandemic began, students are starting a new term with a degree of normality. There are no more bubbles, entire year groups will no longer have to isolate in response to a case, students can start enjoying extra-curriculars as normal once again. Though uncertainties and concerns remain, the return to routine is an unambiguously good thing for students. Here, we chat with a few of Bath’s schools about their hopes and fears for the new school year – as well as some of the lessons they learned teaching under restrictions.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 19

EDUCATION

At All Hallows School, rather than pressure kids to catch up, they are taking a long-term view to inspire a passion for learning and avoid cognitive overload

FORWARD THINKING

Yes, we’re all still living with all kinds of uncertainty – but there remains a shiver of excitement about the start of a brand-new school year. With restrictions finally lifted, for the first time in getting on for 18 months, Bath’s schools can be fully together again – and they can’t wait.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming all of our pupils back to school and in particular to having whole-school assemblies, through which we can continue to build our strong sense of community and shared values,” says Rosie Allen, head of The Paragon School.

It’s about returning to school life at its fullest, and all of the magical moments that can only arise when students are free to mix within the school community, something that became difficult to achieve with the bubble system. Though schools soldiered on with their bubbled plays, trips, and even musical performances regardless, it wasn’t the same.

“We are really looking forward to reintroducing many of our extracurricular clubs, sports fixtures, concerts, trips and activities that have had to be paused or restricted over the last year,” says Tim Markall, head teacher of Beechen Cliff. “We know how much pupils benefit from these wider opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom, and they are such a crucial part of the all-round education we offer.”

20 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“It feels like a family here, and our older children are amazing role models for our younger children” From the All Hallows School student councils to the burgeoning House system at St Mark’s, this school year will be all about engagement and making the most of the extra-curriculars we often used to take for granted. Some schools are even starting entirely new ventures heading into this academic year.

“We are launching the Bluebird Nursery and taking children from the age of two for the first time,” says Luke Bromwich, headmaster of St Margaret’s Prep. “Coupled with this we have installed a fantastic outdoor learning space that has been completed over the holidays.

These are all exciting developments that we can’t wait to see evolve in the new academic year.”

EDUCATION Sixth formers at King Edward’s School have missed being able to socialise between years 12 and 13

Abbot Alphege Academy view catch up as a marathon, not a sprint

GOING DEEPER

While schools do their utmost to provide mental health support, sometimes, and especially as a result of the pandemic, children require additional help. Biodynamic craniosacral therapist and reflex integration/neuro developmental practitioner Jacqui Ellis offers movement-based therapy to address the effects of trauma. The extremities of the pandemic have brought a lot of subconscious emotions to the surface, Jacqui believes, and for many children this has resulted in some difficult and troubling behaviours. Following a detailed assessment, she aims to provide an energetically safe space for children and parents to begin practising an individual programme of exercises based on the natural movements typically made during the first year of life.

For more: www.deepconnexions.co.uk

MIX IT UP

Freeing the different year groups to mix outside of their bubbles is a crucial part of a school’s sense of community.

“We are a small school and it feels like a family here, and our older children are amazing role models for our younger children,” says Vicky Dupras, head teacher of Abbot Alphege Academy. “We can’t wait to have them all playing together, reading together and learning together again.”

The bubble system has been felt particularly hard among some sixth forms, which have traditionally always seen greater contact between years 12 and 13 – it’s why the separate sixth form centre exists, after all.

“Keeping year 12 and year 13 apart is a very unusual experience for our sixth formers,” says Claire at King Edward’s School. “In our school there is much more vertical mixing between year 12 and year 13 in a way that hasn’t been possible since Covid. That’s a shame, because we’ve got a really lovely sixth form centre and only one year group at a time has been able to use it – so it will be great to have that back.”

Tim Markall agrees, “We are looking forward to pupils from different year groups working together again, including events led by students such as our Sixth Form Prefect Team, mentoring programmes, and collaboration between schools on events and activities.”

TRANSITION TIME

Transition back into school post-lockdown, and now post-restrictions is exciting, but a nerve-racking process.

With such varied experiences of the pandemic suddenly converging on a single institution, it’s inevitable that unexpected scenarios will arise. Some schools are tackling this with the assistance of outside experts. At Abbot Alphege, they work with MITOS, which offers emotion coaching to their students. MITOS provides one-to-one support and intervention with the aim of dealing with the children’s emotional needs first so they can fully engage in their learning. For some of the children this will be a short burst to support them as they process their experiences since the pandemic began, and for others this will be more longterm work. Meanwhile staff at King Edwards School have trained with Dr Pooky Knightsmith, a specialist in child and adolescent mental health and emotional wellbeing.

At every stage, it’s been about making the transitions as seamless as possible. For many schools, this has meant providing additional activities for students.

“We are committed to supporting our young people socially and emotionally as they have all had different experiences throughout the pandemic,” says Hannah Fleming, assistant head teacher at Ralph Allen School.

“We will be supporting them to make sense of the events of the last year in a fun and positive way through our tutoring and pastoral programmes. Our current year 7 students have already embarked on an intervention programme ‘Same Sea, Different Boats’ run by mental health professionals to support their transition and integration back into school after the extended lockdowns.”

“We are looking forward to pupils from different year groups working together again” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 23

EDUCATION New at St Margaret’s Prep is the Bluebird Nursery, which will take children from the age of two

STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN

“At the moment we know there is significant ‘pandemic fatigue’ and we are all hoping that we are through the worst,” says Beechen Cliff’s Tim Markall. “However, depending how the months ahead go, we accept we need to be prepared for further issues to arise. The impact of the end of the furlough scheme, future rises in cases and the impact of government debt on school funding may still provide challenges and we are prepared for uncertainty ahead.”

As prepared as schools make sure they are, there are still a lot of unknowns heading into the autumn term.

“I think challenges will continue to emerge. What are they going to look like?” says Claire Losse, deputy head pastoral at King Edward’s School. “Pupils have been remarkably adaptive. Will they continue to be as resilient? Although there have been issues and collectively we’ve all been through something, it’s really hard to know what it’s going to look like eventually.

“Next summer’s exam cohort have had that teaching disrupted as well. It isn’t as straight forward as let’s just get back to normal in September.”

24 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Going forward, working together will be key, not just within schools, but across institutions.

“We are excited to be working closely with other schools in the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership, particularly those in the Bath Hub, to share good practice and make sure that our students have an excellent experience of secondary school,” says Alice Boys, assistant head of St Mark’s School. “As a small hub of schools in the city of Bath, St Mark’s, Beechen Cliff School and Hayesfield Girls’ School support and challenge each other so that students achieve their aspirations and personal growth through a high quality curriculum offer and a wide range of exciting and engaging opportunities and experiences.”

“Let’s not feel we need to rush to a pre-determined timeline”

St Mark’s School partner with a number of other schools in the area to share best practice; below: Ralph Allen School are using fun pastoral activities to help students process recent events

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 25

EDUCATION

“Technology has the power to democratise knowledge”

GOING THE DISTANCE

And what about catching up? Despite the very best efforts of schools, learning has still been missed and many students have fallen behind.

According to Vicky Dupras, head teacher of Abbot Alphege Academy, recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.

Dr Trevor Richards, CPsychol, head teacher of All Hallows School, very much agrees.

“We were quick to challenge the movement to accelerate the children’s learning to ‘catch up’ on missed learning,” he says.

“Attempting to do so on top of learning new information is likely to lead to cognitive overload and as a result, the children would struggle to transfer both missed and new information into their long-term memory and wont ‘properly’ learn either.

“So let’s not feel that we need to rush to a pre-determined timeline, take a slightly longer term view, avoid cognitive overload, and keep student wellbeing strong. If we do this, not only will our children continue to enjoy school and have a passion for learning, but may well also exceed previous expectations of their outcomes.”

LOCKDOWN LESSONS

above: Kingswood School is embracing the potential of technology

to innovate the education sector; this image: At Beechen Cliff, they’re very ready to get back to their extra curriculars in full force

Some schools even started new practices during the pandemic that they’ll carry forwards into school life without restrictions. The most obvious changes are to wellbeing care – which all schools are keen to up in the coming months.

“We have adapted our safeguarding procedures to help us identify issues that may have arisen from or been exacerbated by the pandemic so the appropriate support and intervention can be provided,” says Tim Markall, head teacher of Beechen Cliff. Meanwhile at King Edward’s School they have rebranded the medical centre – from the new term it’ll be known as the Health and Wellness Centre instead, and comes with additional school nurse capacity. New school groups were also born to enhance wellbeing during tough times.

“Whilst Downside is well known for its excellent pastoral care, the pandemic put a spotlight on what more we could do to support our pupils during such a unique and challenging time,” says Beck Ward Murphy, marketing manager at Downside School. “And so was born the school’s Oscar Romero Community. This Community is a

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 27

EDUCATION youthful, faith-based movement led

by Downside pupils which aims to identify and promote the importance of faith in sport at the school based on our Benedictine values. Sport carries such huge importance and influence at Downside so this combination of faith and sport was a natural one.”

FOR THE FUTURE

The use of technology, too, has been impacted by the lockdowns – and not all for the worse, as Andrew GordonBrown, headmaster of Kingswood School explains, “For a long time in education circles, people have discussed the ‘disruptive’ potential of technology, and up until now, this disruption largely failed to materialise.

“I don’t think this is just about style, The Paragon can’t wait to have but rather the structure and form of all the students together again the learning process itself. Technology for school assemblies has the power to democratise knowledge and enhance connection, giving students more autonomy and agency over their learning. I hope that one product of this difficult period is that educators will emerge with new confidence to rethink curriculum design and learner engagement.”

At King Edward’s School, they even found that the bubble system had some surprising benefits.

“We don’t want bubbles for the academic teaching, but we’re keeping that for the pastoral bases,” explains Claire Losse. “We’re going to continue to group year groups in particular geographical spaces around the school, because we really noticed throughout the year that they developed a sense of ownership over particular spaces, it was good to help them rebuild their community and their relationships within their peer group.”

For Luke Bromwich, headmaster of St Margaret’s Prep, it’s important to keep the community engagement up.

“At St Margaret’s we are considering how we can impact our wider community for the better in the new academic year and as a result we are hoping to launch a number of projects with local schools in areas such as sport,” he says.

At Downside, they launched a new faithbased community to help students cope with the effects of the pandemic

YOU HAVE BEEN READING

Abbot Alphege Academy, Beckford Drive, Lansdown, Bath; www.abbot-alphege.org.uk All Hallows School, Cranmore Hall, Somerset; www.allhallowsschool.co.uk Beechen Cliff School, Kipling Avenue, Bath; www.beechencliff.org.uk Downside School, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Radstock; www.downside.co.uk King Edward’s School, North Road, Bath; www.kesbath.com Kingswood School, Lansdown Road, Bath; www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk The Paragon School, Lyncombe House, Lyncombe Vale, Bath; www.paragonschool.co.uk Ralph Allen School, Claverton Down Road, Bath; www.ralphallenschool.com St Margaret’s Prep, Curzon Street, Calne; www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk St Mark’s School, Bay Tree Road, Larkhall, Bath; www.st-marks.org.uk

OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE

Bath is utterly spoiled for choice when it comes to great schools. Whatever children want to study, from the academic to the vocational Sheldon School, Hardenhuish Lane, Chippenham; www.sheldonschool.co.uk Hayesfield Girls School, Upper Oldfield Park, Bath; www.hayesfield.com Calder House School, Thickwood Lane, Colerne; www.calderhouseschool.co.uk Wells Cathedral School, The Liberty, Wells; www.wells.cathedral.school Bath College, City Centre Campus, Avon Street, Bath; www.bathcollege.ac.uk IKB Academy, 68 Bath Road, Keynsham, Bristol; www.ikbacademy.org.uk Royal High School Bath, Lansdown Road, Bath; www.royalhighbath.gdst.net Monkton Coombe School, Monkton Combe, Bath; www.monktoncombeschool.com Prior Park College, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath; www.priorparkcollege.com

28 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Where learning comes to life...

SPONSORED CONTENT

Pioneering girls’ education in Bath Providing an outstanding and contemporary, girl-centred education, ROYAL HIGH SCHOOL BATH is a day and boarding school for ages 3-18.

R

oyal High School Bath is the only boarding school in the Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools.

Royal High School boasts exceptional academic results and their girls are adventurous in both their thinking and ambitions.

With a reputation as supportive and stimulating, their students realise new talents and fulfil their potential. The new £2m Steinway Music School and renovated boarding houses highlight their commitment to students’ success.

Student wellbeing is a key priority, and the school’s pastoral care aims to nurture each student throughout their academic career, making sure every girl has a positive experience. Students have access to in-house counselling, as well as a wellbeing coordinator who is on hand to listen and support. The Pastoral Hub is a new development for September, which includes 'The Hive', a

peaceful area for quiet reflection, a contemplation room and quiet study zone. All students from Years 8-11 have their own dedicated common rooms, built to the WELL standards.

Royal High School are proud to be the only school in Bath to offer a choice of A-level and International Baccalaureate (IB) pathways at Sixth Form. This year’s IB students achieved an outstanding total average point score of 40 out of a possible 45 and in A-levels, students excelled.

86 per cent of students have a place at university and their destinations are as varied as the subjects they are choosing to study. In September, the school celebrates the appointment of Luke Benedict as Head of Sixth Form. Luke, previously Head of English since 2019, said “I am so excited to lead the Sixth Form – it is the culmination of our mission to nurture and empower the next generation of young women.”

With an extensive network of bus routes across Bath, boarding options, Holiday Club and toddler

group, Royal High School Bath has something to suit every family’s needs.

Sign up to attend an Open Event on 14 September, 22 September and 9 October at www.royalhighbath.gdst.net/whats-on ■

Senior School, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5SZ; Tel: 01225 313 877 Nursery and Prep School, Weston Park East, Bath BA1 2UZ; Tel: 01225 422 931 royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.net www.royalhighbath.gdst.net  @RoyalHighBath; f  l Royal High School Bath

SPONSORED CONTENT

Grade-A resilience MONKTON COMBE SCHOOL celebrates an outstanding set of exam results

U

nder the most unusual circumstances, Monkton students have recently celebrated an outstanding set of A-level and GCSE results this summer, results which hold the very same status as those which came before and those which will follow – even though they were arrived at in quite a different fashion.

We're very proud of our pupils' A-level results and following a rigorous external moderation process, none of the grades which we submitted were changed. 64 per cent of grades were awarded at A or A* and 95 per cent were A* to C. Over a third achieved an A*.

As ever, these results, although hard won, represent just the launchpad for our pupils' next adventure. We take pride in the diversity of paths which our pupils choose to take beyond Monkton.

'Monkton thinks differently' applies just as much to making sure each individual finds their own path. This means we have students like Kiera and Kemi both heading off to the prestigious

University of the Arts London to read Costume for Theatre and Screen, and Creative Direction for Fashion respectively, while others like Ibim head to Loughborough to read Robotics, Mechatronics and Control Engineering, Issy to Nottingham to read French with Contemporary Chinese, and Polly and Kit to Edinburgh to read Physics and Ancient History respectively.

Our GCSE pupils also had to find depths of resilience and perseverance as they charted unknown waters – and their good humour and willingness was testament to them all. Their results vindicate those efforts with so many of them receiving well-earnt and impressive grades across the board. More than 50 per cent of candidates in Art, Business, Drama, English Language, Further Maths, Chemistry, History, Music, Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, and Photography gained either grades 8 or 9, the equivalent of the old A* grade.

Chris Wheeler, principal, says, "I send heartfelt congratulations to all pupils who received results in this toughest of seasons. This cohort have

seen disruption unlike any who have gone before them and have learned tremendous courage and resilience which no results will ever capture."

If you would like your child to be a part of a school which helps put them on the path to their next adventure through a journey of self-discovery, then please come along and see what makes Monkton so special at our open mornings at our Senior School on Saturday 2 October, or our Prep School on Saturday 9 October. Register now at www.monktoncombeschool.com n Monkton Senior School, Monkton Combe, Bath, BA2 7HG; 01225 721100; reception@monkton.org.uk; www.monktoncombeschool.com

Is your child struggling with:  Reading and writing  Concentration  Anger issues  Low confidence and self esteem

 Balance and Coordination  Being attentive  Sitting still  Feeling different

Call Jacqui Ellis on 07790 783280 to find out how a Reflex Stimulation & Integration Programme could help with all of the above and more.

info@deepconnexions.co.uk www.deepconnexions.co.uk

Our Philosophy Both nursery delivers the early years foundation stage through a purely child centred approach. ‘Our planning for each child is carried out in the moment and is based on award winning Anna Ephgrave’s approach of ‘planning in the moment’.

A great start for your child’s learning and development in the heart of Bath.

The Bath Nursery Company is a small family run business that owns and operates two nurseries in Bath and one at Marble Arch in central London.

Parents chose us because we provide high quality childcare and pre-school education for children aged from three months to five years over 51 weeks of the year.

Our nurseries are open from 7.30am to 6.30pm, our flexible range of schedules,

include term time only placements and bookings for families who wish to use the universal entitlement (15 hours) and/or extended entitlement (30 hours). For more information on help with childcare costs please go to www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

What do we offer?

• Opening hours from 7.30am-6.30pm • Spaces for children from 3 months to 5 years • Full days, school days, mornings or afternoon sessions that can be taken all year round (51 weeks) or term time only (38 weeks) • Fees that are all inclusive of meals, nappies, creams and extracurricular activities • Freshly prepared snacks, lunch and tea that are cooked on site by our nursery chef

• Flexible spaces for parents wishing to use their 15 hours universal entitlement or 30 hours extended entitlement • Short term / temporary places available • Emergency childcare spaces • Forest school session led by qualified practitioners • Regular trips out in the local community

We also support all of our children’s important life skills, such as serving their own meals, children are respected and trusted at our nurseries, all children have china plates and real cutlery to use, all meals are served in serving dishes and children make choices about how much they would like to eat. All of our meals are cooked on site by our Chef’s. We cater for all children’s diets and preferences, good early years nutrition is what fuels young children’s bodies and minds and is something we take

very seriously, we are acrredited by the early years nutrition partnership, and continue to work alongside them to further ensure that our catering is second to none.’

Helping parents stay in touch – ParentZone, is an innovative Smartphone App which allows you to view a time-line of your child’s day in nursery, read observations and assessment summaries, view photographs and videos of your child’s activities and experiences, access your nursery accounts, invoices, payment history and make payments. The app also allows you to comment on any observations that your key person has added and to upload your own photos and observations to add to your child’s learning journal.

Located just a mile and a half form Bath city centre, this lovely village nursery provides the ideal environment for your child to safely play grow and learn.

Nestled into a quiet, residential corner by Hedgemead Park, Guinea lane Nursery offers exceptional childcare and pre-school education in a cosy but lively environment.

At Combe Down we believe a children’s nursery should be more than a safe, warm and welcoming environment. It should be a place that stimulates young minds, promotes creativity and lays exceptional foundations for a blossoming education both social and curricular.

Guinea Lane has been one of Baths favourite children’s nurseries for 10 years.

Working closely with children and parents alike to provide high quality childcare and education that closely embraces our proximity to the city centre, using the local environment to enhance the children’s cultural experiences.

Combe Down Road, Bath, BA2 5HY 01225 840575 • combedown@tbnc.co.uk

Conveniently located for the Landsdown Park and Ride with stops Belevedere and Alfred Street being just a few short minutes walk from the nursery.

Guinea Lane, Bath, BA1 5NB 01225 487858 • guinealane@tbnc.co.uk

SPONSORED CONTENT

Let your light shine ST MARK'S SCHOOL is going through an exciting period of development, and there's never been a better time to join

T

his is an exciting time to join St Mark’s School, a school that has rapidly improved over the last eighteen months since joining the Midsomer Norton Schools’ Partnership, which consists of 28 schools within Bath and North East Somerset and neighbouring counties.

As well as benefiting from its involvement with the trust, St Mark’s School works closely with Hayesfield Girls’ School and Beechen Cliff, as part of the Bath Hub. All three schools share good practice so that students achieve their aspirations and personal growth through a high quality curriculum offer and a wide range of exciting and engaging opportunities. Our common goal is to ensure our students have an excellent experience of secondary school.

Our young people are able to quickly establish themselves and develop their true identities in a setting where the staff know every child and value their contributions in the school and wider community. This helps ensure that our students develop a strong sense of belief in themselves and encourages them to be masters of their own destiny.

Our committed team of staff inspire our students through a curriculum that is rigorous, challenging and motivating so that our students find joy in learning, and learn to value the

commitment they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

Come and join us at our open events this autumn. We look forward to being able to welcome you to our aspirational and friendly school community. n Open Evening Thursday 16th September, 6.30-8.30pm Open Mornings Wednesday 22nd September & Friday 1st October, 9-11am

St Mark's School, Bay Tree Road, Larkhall, Bath BA1 6ND; 01225 312661; info@st-marks.org.uk; www.st-marks.org.uk

THE ARTS S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S C U LT U R A L L I F E

SILK SCREEN

The first ever exhibition dedicated to Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s portraits is coming to the Holburne Museum on 24 September. Rossetti’s Portraits features some of his most celebrated artworks, including The Blue Silk Dress (Jane Morris), 1868, as seen here.

Exhibition curator Sylvie Broussine says, “We’re thrilled to be able to share with the public this fresh look at one of the leading figures of 19th century British art. Though a lesser-known aspect of his body of work, nonetheless portraiture is present throughout

Rossetti’s career, from his informal, private drawings of his family and friends to his celebrated oil paintings of the women who inspired him.

“Rossetti is at his best when capturing the likenesses of those closest to him, and we hope that this exhibition draws attention to this important part of the artist’s work.”

For more: Rossetti’s Portraits runs from 24 September until 9 January 2022 at the Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 39

WHAT’S ON 11 September – 7 October

Magician, wizard, and liar, Billy Kidd is back conjuring every Saturday at the Ale House

EXHIBITIONS

Always check Covid-19 restrictions and instructions with venues before your visit

GROUP EXHIBITION Paul Wright, Cecilia Cardiff, and Millena DeMille are the three artists featured in this exhibition, plus there’s a focus on local artist Ben Hughes. Art Salon; www.artsalon.co.uk

landscape artist at Black Swan Arts in Frome reflects on connections with nature, place and home.

Most of the work – a mixture of dramatic, sometimes almost abstract, watercolours and striking monochromatic monoprints – was created during the lockdowns. www.blackswanarts.org.uk

Until 19 September

Until 28 September

Until 15 September

FREUD, MINTON, RYAN: AN UNHOLY TRINITY This exhibition celebrates the life of Adrian Ryan, and his friends John Minton and Lucian Freud. In the art world of pre-war London, the three artists were friends. As ambitious figurative painters with promising career trajectories, all three explored a relaxed intimacy behind closed doors. Victoria Art Gallery; www.victoriagal.org.uk

Until 26 September

DAVID A. PARFITT 20 Miles, an exhibition of paintings and prints by the Somerset

40 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

STARING FROM A THOUSAND YARDS The new exhibition on display at Corsham’s Pound Arts centre from Salisbury-based artist Prudence Maltby features more than 40 mixed media collages responding to the extraordinary events of 2020. www.poundarts.org.uk

Until 7 October

FLIGHTS OF FANCY An exhibition by six local printmakers, Kate Bernstein, Dominique Coiffait, Charlotte Farmer, Polly Gough, Liz Saunders and Sarah Targett, who all make

original limited edition prints using a variety of techniques. Many of them met whilst printing at Marshfield Screen Print, a local screen print studio owned by Dominique. The art work is available to buy at affordable prices with a commission paid to the RUH. www.artatruh.org

Until 10 October

MY KID COULD’VE DONE THAT! The Holburne Museum has staged this exhibition at The Edge arts centre at the University of Bath. It consists of brand-new work by 15 contemporary artists and their children, which then invites art lovers to determine just who created the work? Creative participants include Harriet Bowman and her son Len, Dickon Drury and son Cosmo, and Kate Owens with daughter Trudy. www.edgearts.org/ www.holburne.org

Until 31 October

OUCH! This online exhibition draws on the

themes of pain as explored by the University’s Bath Centre for Pain Research. It is made up of an interdisciplinary team who examine how pain affects people’s lives. The ‘in person’ exhibition of Ouch! is now rescheduled at 44AD’s Abbey Street gallery next month. www.44ad.net

Until 31 October

SHOOTING STARS: CARINTHIA WEST, BRITAIN AND AMERICA IN THE 1970S Features a collection of 63 intimate natural and lifestyle portraits of the rich and famous, including Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, taken in the 1970s in America and the UK by journalist and photographer Carinthia West. American Museum; www.americanmuseum.org

Until 2022

SHOEPHORIA! Discover the fascinating evolution of shoe style over the last 300 years, from the actual footwear worn by

WHAT’S ON artworks, including The Blue Silk Dress. The exhibition also explores the artist’s intimate relationship with his muses and their influence on his depiction of beauty. Turn to page 39 for more. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org

24 September – 9 January SUNIL GUPTA: THE NEW PRE-RAPHAELITES To accompany its major new exhibition of Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s portraits, the Holburne is displaying the photographs by Sunil Gupta who was born in New Dehli and is now living in London.

His ten photographs reference the struggle against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code instigated during British rule in the 1860s, and criminalised gay sex. Holburne Museum; www.holburne.org above: See Showtime

by Cecilia Cardiff at the Art Salon left: Jax Jones is helping promote new DJ talent at Moles on 30 September below: Olive Webb is just one of the artists featured in the Combe Down art Trial

Queen Mary and Queen Victoria, through to the recent contemporary designers, such as Manolo Blahnik and Vivienne Westwood. Fashion Museum; www.fashionmuseum.co.uk

11 – 12 September

COMBE DOWN ART TRAIL Artists living and working in Combe Down will be opening their studio doors to the public for live demonstrations and the opportunity to buy work direct from them. Part of Bath Open Studios, the Combe Down Art Trail is in its fifth year and has been designed to cover all eventualities including an online exhibition, work on show at local landmarks such as The Museum of Bath Stone, the King William IV pub, and the Peggy Dodd Centre, as well as turning the streets into a village gallery, with posters of artwork fastened to railings and lampposts. www.cdarttrail.com

11 – 19 September

PEACOCK ARTS TRAIL 2021 Peacock Arts Trail flies again with more than 70 artists and craftspeople from Corsham, Chippenham, Melksham and surrounding villages participating in real life, online and in person exhibitions. www.peacockartstrail.co.uk

24 September – 9 January

ROSSETTI’S PORTRAITS A unique show devoted to one of the giants of Victorian art – the first ever exhibition dedicated to Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s portraits featuring some of his most celebrated

THEATRE / CINEMA

Until 18 September

THE DRESSER A twelve-strong cast, led by Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly, and directed by multi award-winning Terry Johnson, tell the story of a war-torn provincial theatre. An ageing actor manager known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his 227th performance of King Lear. Theatre Royal Bath; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

18 & 25 September, 2 October

KROWD KEEPERS MAGIC THEATRE Promising no rabbits, cheesiness or top hats this is an every Saturday night magic show featuring resident magician, conjuror, wizard and liar Billy Kidd, along with guest stars who also happen to be world renowned magicians. Held upstairs at The Ale House on York Street, doors open at 7.30pm. www.krowdkeepers.com

22 September

OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL A brand-new selection of films from all over the world, for audiences to dive right into and be thrilled by. Among the many tales of marvellous marine-life and extreme seafaring voyages, is the acclaimed and powerful The Sea & Me, which is part of an Australiawide filming project documenting the science and the experiences of locals, who live beside marine reserves.

Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 41

WHAT’S ON 23 – 26 September

THE LUNA CINEMA AT LONGLEAT Look out over Longleat’s safari park’s Half Mile Lake with the stunning Longleat House as the backdrop while enjoying Star Wars, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman and, of course, The Lion King. www.longleat.co.uk

25 September

ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH Exposing the earth’s fractured state, this film offers a cinematic meditation on the way human activity has reshaped the earth. From the harsh industrial landscapes in Siberia, to the towering white mountains of marble in Carrara, Italy, to the uneven plastic peaks of Dandora Landfill in Kenya, watch the aggressive extraction of the planet’s resources in astonishing scale and devastating beauty. Little Theatre Bath; www.picturehouses.com

29 September

QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE Openly gay as early as the 1930s, Quentin Crisp spent decades being beaten up on London’s streets for his refusal to be anything less than himself.

His courage, and the philosophy that evolved from those experiences, inspire to the present day. Written and performed by Mark Farrelly and directed by Linda Marlowe.

Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

MUSIC

13 September

SCOTT LAVENE Distinctive lyrical linguistics and a deadpan delivery makes post-punk bluesy rocker Scott Lavene, a masterful musical storyteller.

The Bell; www.thebellinnbath.co.uk

16 September

RÓISÍN MURPHY The ex-Moloko singer and Mercury Prize-nominated Irish singer songwriter brings her sophisticated and distinctive disco and hot jazz pop sounds to Bath. The Bath Forum; www.bathforum.co.uk

30 September

JAX JONES Ivor Novello, Grammy and BRIT nominated DJ, producer and multiinstrumentalist JAX JONES will be joined at Moles on George Street by specially selected upcoming local DJ talent. It’s not too late to try your hand – DJ mix submissions can be submitted via demos@wugd.

42 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

co.uk. Entries must state: Moles 30 September, and also include a name, a short introduction, social media links and a streaming link to the mix (but no download links please); www.moles.co.uk

COMEDY 23 September / 2 October

KRATER COMEDY CLUB Kick-off your weekend with some proper good laughs and discover the best in live comedy, featuring Jojo Sutherland and Andrew O’Neil on 25 September, and the following week sees Josh Howie and Vicki Stone. The cabaret style seating comes with several dining options, as well as table service.

Komedia Bath; www.komedia.co.uk

2 October

SARA BARRON A powerhouse live act and fast rising star, Sara’s previous shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and across multiple runs in London’s Soho Theatre have sold out to major critical and audience acclaim.

Blisteringly funny and no-holdsbarred, in her new tour, Enemies Closer, the US comic examines kindness, meanness, ex-boyfriends, current husbands, all four of her remaining friends, and two of her twelve enemies.

Rondo Theatre; www.rondotheatre.co.uk

CHILDREN 11 – 18 September

THE LIVING TREE In partnership with Forest of Imagination The Egg is transformed into a living forest, with fantastical outdoor indoor light and sound installation created by Andrew Amondson which includes a real forest floor. The Egg Theatre; www.theatreroyal.org.uk

24 September – 3 October

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival returns with a huge and entertaining variety of readings, talks, workshops, and panels from poets, authors, illustrators, being held at venues all over the city. Turn to page 52 for the full literary lowdown. www.bathfestivals.org.uk

ABOVE: The Living Tree is an indoor installation at the Egg Theatre created in collaboration with Forest of Imagination RIGHT: The latest work of Prudence Maltby which was created in response to the events of 2020 is currently on display at Corsham’s Pound Arts centre BELOW: The Dresser starring Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly comes to Theatre Royal Bath

Bath's best kept secret Bath, BA2 7BD

americanmuseum.org

WHAT’S ON 26 September

UP IN THE AIR Join Mini BSO at the Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon for an afternoon of interactive games, fantastic music and great entertainment. Featuring hits including Let’s Go Fly a Kite and Come Fly with Me as well as themes from Star Wars and Doctor Who, this family concert is an easy and enjoyable way to introduce children to classical music and the instruments of the orchestra. www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk

OTHER

Until 19 September

THE JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL The annual celebration of the author resumes. There’s walking tours, lessons in ball etiquettes, and best of all, ladies pretend to be Lizzie Bennett and the men Mr Darcy, and together they parade the streets of Bath. There’s also a special Jane Austen immersive exhibition happening at No1 Royal Crescent. www.janeaustenfestivalbath.co.uk

11 – 26 September

BATHSCAPE WALKING FESTIVAL Celebrate Bath by walking the city. This festival thanks to its organised walks, downloadable maps, podcasts and tours will help uncover hidden valleys, iron age forts, picture perfect villages, and amazing views. Turn to page 7 for more Bath walking news. www.bathscapewalkingfestival.co.uk

18 September

WELLNESS IN BATH As part of World Wellness Weekend, Visit Bath is working with local spa and wellbeing partners and businesses to bring a programme of free events such as The Soul Spa which is delivering demos and classes in support of Bath Mind. Turn to page 56 for more details www.visitbath.co.uk

24 September – 26 September

THE GREAT BATH FEAST The Great Bath Feast, in association with The Bertinet Kitchen, celebrates the best food and drink in the South West. The festival kicks off with a buzzing market on Milsom Street in Bath with chef demos, pop-ups and a food and drink trail.

Turn to page 64 for the full list of specials! www.greatbathfeast.co.uk

44 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

top:

The Sea & Me is just one of the many films that makes up the Ocean Film Festival coming to Komedia on 22 September For ex-Moloko Róisín Murphy’s appearance at The Forum, the time is now

bottom:

24 September

TRISTRAM HUNT Director of the Victoria & Albert Museum and one of Britain’s best-known historians will be talking about his new book, The Radical Potter: Josiah Wedgwood and the Transformation of Britain. In it, Tristram describes Wedgwood as ‘the Steve Jobs of the 18th century’ thanks to his revolutionary approach to making ceramics a mass consumer product. The event has been organised by Toppings

and is being held at Christ Church on Julian Road. www.toppingbooks.co.uk

routines, leisure time, and entertainment of the aristocracy. www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk

26 September

26 September

SECRETS OF BATH WALKS Explore history on our beautiful Bath doorstep with expertly guided walks that, not only reveal the background of some of the finest Palladian architecture in the world, but also introduce the daily

CIRCUIT OF BATH WALK Join Julian House for the Circuit of Bath Walk and take a stand against homelessness. Book your place for the full 20-mile route, or a distance of your choosing, and get sponsored to help enable the charity to help others. www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk n

BSc MRICS Chartered Surveyor

mark@mvsurveying.co.uk 07922 557100 01225 581591 www.mvsurveying.co.uk 1-07, 3 Edgar Buildings, George Street, Bath BA1 2FJ

It’s all about peace of mind…

Bath based since 1992

BATH RUGBY FIXTURES 21/22

TAKEAWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE WITH UP TO 15% OFF WE ARE NOW BACK OPEN FROM 12PM – 2PM FOR LUNCH Open: Mon–Sat 12 noon–2pm & 6pm–10.30pm. Closed Sundays.

DATE

K.O.

COMPETITION

OPPONENT

HOME/AWAY

10 Sept

19:15

Friendly

Cardiff Rugby

Away

18 Sept

17:00

Gallagher Premiership

Sale Sharks

Away

25 Sept

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Newcastle Falcons

Home

1 Oct

19:45

Gallagher Premiership

Bristol Bears

Away

17 Oct

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Saracens

Home

23 Oct

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Harlequins

Away

30 Oct

15:00

Gallagher Premiership

Wasps

Home

5 – 7 Nov

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Leicester Tigers

Away

26 – 28 Nov

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Exeter Chiefs

Home

3 – 5 Dec

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Northampton Saints

Away

24 – 26 Dec

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Gloucester Rugby

Home

31 Dec – 2 Jan

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

London Irish

Away

7 – 9 Jan

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Worcester Warriors

Home

1-2 New Street, Kingsmead Square, Bath BA1 2AF • Tel: 01225 466377 www.pekingrestaurantbath.co.uk

SUSTAINABLE TOP QUALITY LAUNDRY SERVICE Dry Cleaning • Service Washes • Bed Linen Duvet Washes • AirBnB linen

01225 292141 • thebathlaundry.co.uk

*Fixtures are subject to change.

See www.bathrugby.com for latest information or email info@bathrugby.com The Recreation Ground Spring Gardens, Bath, BA2 4DS A VOICE FOR BATH AND BEYOND

DATE

K.O.

COMPETITION

OPPONENT

HOME/AWAY

28 – 30 Jan

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Harlequins

Home

4 – 6 Feb

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Saracens

Away

11 – 13 Feb

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Wasps

Away

18 – 20 Feb

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Leicester Tigers

Home

25 – 27 Feb

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Newcastle Falcons

Away

4 – 6 Mar

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Bristol Bears

Home

25 – 27 Mar

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Sale Sharks

Home

1 – 3 Apr

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Exeter Chiefs

Away

22 – 24 Apr

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Northampton Saints

Home

29 Apr – 1 May

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Gloucester Rugby

Away

20 – 22 May

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

London Irish

Home

3 – 5 Jun

TBC

Gallagher Premiership

Worcester Warriors

Away

*Fixtures are subject to change.

E: studio@radiobath.com

radiobath.com

DJs | KARAOKE | QUIZ Friendly atmosphere 7 days a week

NEW COCKTAIL MENU!

Bath’s finest bespoke tailoring & alterations service for ladies & gentleman

25 Milsom Street, Bath, BA1 1DG 01225 920 263 | info@citytailors.co.uk www.citytailors.co.uk

NORTON MASONRY LTD THE DRY CLEANING COMPANY

DRY CLEANING

COLLECTION & DELIVERY 2 SUITS CLEANED FOR £20

01225 311595

6 Monmouth Place, Bath BA1 2AU

Stonework Specialists & General Builders 38 PICKFORD FIELDS, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4XU

Mobile: 07901 712232

Email: nortonmasonryltd@hotmail.co.uk

www.nortonmasonryltd.co.uk Over 30 Years Experience

Watch our play at the Ustinov Studio THE TRUTH ABOUT HARRY BECK 28th Sept – 2nd Oct 01225 448844

• Domestic and commercial roofing specialists • Covering Bath, Bristol and the South West • Trading since 1985 Tel: 01225 421499 Email: mail@youngsroofing.co.uk www.youngsroofingbath.co.uk Braysdown Lodge, Woodborough, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8LN Participate in our workshops & performance

THEATRE SCHOOL Mondays (adults) Wednesdays (11 to 18yrs) www.naturaltheatre.co.uk

FILM EMMA INGLEDEW

FROM FAR LEFT:

Herself about a battered wife who builds her own house; Daniel Craig insists No Time To Die really is his last outing as Mr Bond; The late James Gandolfini’s son, Michael Gandolfini stars in The Many Saints of Newark; Jennifer Hudson plays Aretha Franklin in the biographical Respect

Sweet release

Among September’s new releases are an Aretha Franklin biopic, a Sopranos prequel and, finally, we’ve been expecting Mr Bond…

F

or many of us film fans, September signals the run up to a great new release season. From the beginning of award season hopefuls, to the final big blockbusters of the year, this autumn month is simply marvellous for movies.

Respect

What you want? Baby this film’s got it. Musical biopics have become a dependable part of the run up to award season now, so to stand out from the crowd, they need to be special.

Respect (dir. Liesl Tommy) certainly seems to have what it takes. The film follows the rise of Aretha Franklin, from her humble beginnings singing in church choirs to becoming an international superstar. Accompanied by some of the all time great Aretha Franklin songs (including, of course, the titular Respect) this is a film as powerful as Franklin herself. Jennifer Hudson tackles what could have been a difficult role flawlessly, and you can see why she was personally selected by Aretha Franklin to portray her in this film.

“We live in hope that his iteration of Bond will die yet another day”

Herself

Phyllida Lloyd has a knack for stories focusing on the lives of women, whether it was her Oscar nominated The Iron Lady or her cult-classic Mamma Mia. Herself is no different, this time focusing on a young mother – Clare Dunne – who escapes her abusive husband and must rebuild her life with her two young children. This idea of rebuilding is quite literal, as she starts to build her own house for her family at the bottom of a garden. Clare Dunne wrote the story for Herself as well as acting in the lead role and her performance is genuinely stunning.

Herself is about community, recovering, and asking for help when you really need it.

Many Saints of Newark

Years after The Sopranos made its mark on prestige television forever, the creator of the show, David Chase, is re-entering the world of Tony Soprano. This gripping prequel to the series stars James Gandolfini’s son, Michael Gandolfini, inheriting the role from his father. Having never previously watched the show, Gandolfini Jr watched all six seasons in six weeks to prepare, as well as hours of his father’s monologues.

Supporting him is a ridiculously stacked cast, featuring Leslie Odom Jr, Jon Bernthal and Ray Liotta amongst others.

Bond

Of course, we can’t talk about September releases without talking about potentially the biggest film of the year: the name is Bond, James Bond. No Time To Die may have been ridiculously delayed (in fact Billie Eilish became the first person to win a Grammy for a song on a soundtrack for a film that hadn’t even been released) but that has only increased my excitement for it. There is almost too much to look forward to here, with Phoebe WallerBridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) helping with the script, Léa Seydoux returning as Madeleine Swann, and Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective, Beasts of No Nation) directing. Of course, Daniel Craig is returning as the legendary hero – although, after 14 years in the role, he has announced that this will be his final outing.

However, he also said that about his last Bond outing in Spectre so may we live in hope that his iteration of Bond will die yet another day.

Emma Ingledew is a life long film fan who graduated with a BA in Film Studies to become manager at The Little Theatre Cinema, 1–2 St Michael’s Place; 01225 466822; www.picturehouses.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 49

BOOKS NIC BOTTOMLEY

Returning favourites Nic follows up on all the novel follow ups, and big name releases about to happen

“A positive cavalcade of big-name new titles are suddenly being let loose”

T

he next four or five Thursdays see a cavalcade of new books arrive on the shelves of all bookshops. There are always a lot of new titles at this time of year as publishers make sure there’s plenty for browsers to choose from when the festive gift buying season arrives.

Throw in the delays and disruptions of earlier in the year though, and you have a positive cavalcade of big-name new titles suddenly being let loose from the logjam and onto our shop floors.

So this time, rather than zooming in on just two or three, I thought I’d make sure you know about half a dozen of the biggest new novels that are about to land.

First on my list is the long-awaited return of Anthony Doerr whose last novel All the Light We Cannot See (Harper Collins, £8.99) is as compelling a piece of storytelling as you’ll ever enjoy. That book was a brilliantly structured split narrative tale of a blind French girl and a German orphan boy beginning as the Nazis rose to power and building to a dramatic crescendo as the Allied planes bombarded St. Malo to liberate it from German control.

His new book Cloud-Cuckoo Land (Harper Collins, £20) has a setting, or rather many settings, worlds away from that fraught French wartime backdrop. This time the story oscillates between a C15 besieged Constantinople, a library facing unexpected threats in modernday Idaho, and a spacecraft a century or so from now. Doerr’s mastery at creating compelling teenage characters continues with young adult protagonists navigating each strand of this epic story of books, community and the planet.

Another author famed for his writing of wartime novels who has an imminent new release is Sebastian Faulks. Snow Country (Cornerstone, £20) begins in Vienna at the start of World War One but, like Doerr’s, this is a novel with a wide scope. At the heart is a love story, full of digressions and obstacles, which spans the inter-war period with all its shortlived optimism and constant anxiety. Largely

taking place in Austria, the novel has multiple connections to Faulks’ Human Traces written back in 2005 (Vintage, £9.99) but reads as a stand-alone book rather than a sequel.

Perhaps the most effective and popular novelist of recent times when it comes to depicting the intricacies of modern relationships, is Sally Rooney. After the success of Normal People and Conversations with Friends (both Faber, £8.99) she is now returning with Beautiful World, Where are You (Faber, £16.99). This is another novel with complex love stories at its heart (including an unlikely book industry romance between a novelist and a warehouse worker) as four protagonists connect and disconnect with one another and explore their relationships and the world they find themselves in.

It’s not in the field of literary fiction that big new titles abound though. In terms of thrillers and crime-writing, this month sees the arrival A Slow Fire Burning (Transworld, £20) the new novel from Paula Hawkins and we’ve also just had the publication of Stephen King’s Billy Summers (Hodder, £20), a small-town American page-turner extraordinaire about a sniper-for-hire with a surprising moral compass.

Last year’s biggest crime novel though was a gentler more humorous breed of mystery fiction, namely the almost absurdly successful Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Penguin, £8.99). Now Osman is returning with the follow-up The Man Who Dies Twice (Penguin, £18.99) which brings back the comic quartet of senior sleuths, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron and sees them attempt to get to the bottom of a fresh conundrum involving a stash of missing diamonds and a seriously dangerous killer.

It remains to be seen whether this follow-up will come close to matching the million copies sold of the first instalment, but either way it’s another strong addition to this squadron of new releases that are kicking off publishing’s busy season.

Nic Bottomley is the general manager of Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, 14/15 John Street, Bath; tel: 01225 331155; www.mrbsemporium.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 51

READ WITH OTHERS © CHRIS CLOSE PHOTOGR APHY

Back to inspire, excite and encourage is the Bath Children’s Literature Festival

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Simon Farnaby will be talking about his character

Merdyn the Wild; illustrator Steven Lenton and writer Tracey Corderoy; Stuart Lawrence, younger brother of Stephen Lawrence; Pamela Butchart chats about her new book, A Monster Ate My Packed Lunch

BATH CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL

B

“Stuart aims to help young people harness the good in themselves”

Just a few of the children’s books that will be showcased by their authors and illustrators at this year’s Bath Children’s Literature Festival

to live book events will be delighted to see The Very Hungry Caterpillar story time and crafts, while older children and young adults can listen to a groundbreaking playlist with a twist, exploring the History of Modern Black Britain in 28 Songs with teacher and music enthusiast Jeffrey Boakye.

TV ghost hunter Yvette Fielding will be talking about her own spooky experiences and how they inspired her new adventure book for young people House in the Woods, while Simon Farnaby, who currently plays the de-bagged defunct MP Julian Fawcett in TV’s Ghosts, will be talking about his character Merdyn the Wild and his latest adventures.

Joining the festival for the first time are sporting stars from Bath Rugby, bringing their energy and know-how to a fact-packed, fast-paced sporty event based on the book Rampaging Rugby – perfect for a rugby-loving city. Also for active kids is the nation’s favourite PE teacher and global fitness phenomenon Joe Wicks, the man who got so many families through the domestic incarceration of lockdown.

His creations The Burpee Bears will spring to life through Joe’s own go-getting attitude.

The festival has also worked to reflect the interests and concerns of young people. Rashmi Sirdeshpande is a lawyer turned children’s writer who addresses the anxieties that children may have about the world in Good News: Why the World is Not as Bad as You Think. She will be giving tips on how to seek out positive facts and how to spot fake news. Naturalist, environmentalist and race activist Dr Mya-Rose Craig aka Birdgirl, who grew up near Chew Valley, will be talking about Dream to Reality: Protecting the Planet, exploring how we can support the young people of colour demanding change to protect the world for the future.

Stuart Lawrence is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered in a racist attack at the age of 18 in 1993. Now an educator and motivational speaker, Stuart aims to help young people harness the good in themselves and in the world around them, using the fire of positivity to

© IAN THR AVES

ath Children’s Literature Festival is back on 24 September until 3 October with live, interactive events hosted by a wealth of well known and up-andcoming writers and illustrators for young people of all ages to enjoy.

Europe’s largest stand-alone children’s book festival returns with some big stars, including Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, creator of the How to Train Your Dragon and Wizards of Once series, who will be spellbinding audiences on the magic of wizards and dragons.

Irish comedian David O’Doherty will make a welcome return to the festival with his new novel, The Summer I Robbed a Bank. Blue Peter Awardwinning author Pamela Butchart will be providing lots of giggles as she chats about her hilarious new book, A Monster Ate My Packed Lunch.

Actor Stephen Mangan has teamed up with his illustrator sister Anita Mangan to create a fast-paced action novel for nine to 12-year-old readers. Escape the Rooms is described as ‘where The Crystal Maze meets Alice in Wonderland.’

Illustrators Steven Lenton, (Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam series written

by Tracey Corderoy) and Dapo Adeola (Look Up! and Clean Up!) bring their new characters and drawings to Bath (Dapo has illustrated a new picture book by Malorie Blackman), while #DrawWithRob internet sensation Rob Biddulph will lead a draw-along event for all the family inspired by his action-packed book Monster Madness and brand-new middle grade adventure Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City.

Families who look forward to the festival each year will be delighted to see superstar author-illustrator Liz Pichon returning to celebrate the tenth anniversary of her character Tom Gates and to welcome back broadcasters and hilarious duo Chris Smith and Greg James, who will share their new adventure, The Great Dream Robbery.

Silliness and fun abound with the latest adventures of Supertato – Supertato: Night of the Living Veg brought to us by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, while Kristina Stephenson’s The Museum of Marvellous Things at the Egg Theatre is an interactive theatrical show that will be enjoyed by children and their grown-ups too.

Parents introducing their children

Yvette Fielding has drawn on her TV ghost-hunting for literary inspiration

Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet bring Supertato: Night of the Living Veg to the festival

create change and to realise that Silence is Not an Option.

For the first time Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institute in Queen Square is playing a part in the children’s book festival. It will open its doors to families for a day-long series of drop-in sessions on Saturday 2 October, giving young paleontologists an opportunity to explore items from the institute’s globally renowned collections. And its Digital Discovery Trail will be running all week. There will also be a book corner set up in The Forum Coffee House to drop into between events for book themed pop-up sessions.

Ian Stockley, CEO of Bath Festivals says, “Our programmers have read hundreds of books to select the most exciting and stimulating events for this year’s festival. Our aim, as always, is to entertain and enrich curious young minds.

“It will also be interesting to be part of stimulating conversations around issues important to young adults.”

Also running virtually, 27 September to 1 October, is the Reading is Magic festival with online workshops, readings and discussion panels with even more literary talent.

For more: www.bathfestivals.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 53

WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND

WHO PUT THE SPA IN BATH? Ahead of World Wellness Weekend, we dig into our spa city’s unlikely origins…

By Lydia Tewkesbury

T

he words Bath and spa are fundamentally inextricable from one another. Yet, how much do we locals really indulge in the Bath waters so many travel to experience – or even understand about their history? Beyond a vague notion of the Romans and fainting Georgian ladies flocking to Bath in droves to ‘take the waters’ – not a lot, for the most part. But with our recent second UNECSO World Heritage nod as part of The Great Spa Towns of Europe (a massive World Heritage Site project comprising 11 famous and historic spa towns and cities across seven countries), we think it’s time to re-engage with Bath’s spa heritage. Thanks to a new book, The Secret History of English Spas, we can all learn a little more about our mythical origins.

MYTHICAL BEGINNINGS

From Salus per Aquam: The Origins of English Spas, excerpt from The Secret History of Spas by Melanie King “The Romans dedicated the source of the Bath springs to the goddess of wisdom, Minerva, and built a temple around it in about 60CE. Over the next three hundred years the hot water supplied the bathing complex that allowed Romans and Britons to swim in the waters: 500,000 gallons of it, containing forty-three minerals, still flow into Bath each day, at a temperature of 48°C (118°F).

It was not, however, the Romans who first discovered Bath’s hot springs but rather, so legend has it, a drove of pigs belonging to Prince Bladud, son of the King of the Britons. Centuries before the Romans arrived in the British Isles, young Bladud contracted leprosy during his studies in Athens. Realising he would never inherit the throne with this unfortunate condition, Bladud became an outcast on his return home.

He found work as a lowly swineherd, but his pigs contracted the disease as he drove them along the Avon valley. They were miraculously cured after rolling in the hot mud around a sulphurous hot spring. Following their lead, Bladud jumped into the mud and he, too, was cured. He returned home, eventually inherited the throne from his father, and dedicated the springs to Sulis, the god of healing.

However, the legend does not exactly end well for Bladud, one of history’s first ‘birdmen’. Trying to fly with the help of a pair of feathered wings, he flung himself into the air and broke his neck in the fall.”

Order The Secret History of Spas by Melanie King (Bodleian Library Publishing)£25.99 from any of Bath’s independent bookshops

56 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

SPAS CIRCA 2021

The tradition started by Bladud’s pigs continues with many much more glamorous incarnations today. This month, the whole city is gearing up for a series of spa events throughout the city for World Wellness Weekend on 18-19 September, just before the equinox when daytime and night are equal, a symbol for work/life harmony. Visit Bath, in partnership with the European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA) are championing the weekend as a means to raise the profile of Bath’s myriad wellness businesses within the local community. Here’s what’s coming up: THERMAE BATH SPA Expert teachers including Bex Bridgford, Lana King, Amy Williams MBE and Lucy Stone will be your guides through wellness of the body, mind and soul. Enjoy a two-hour spa session and holistic Aquasana session in the rooftop pool, wellness talks in the Cross Bath and yoga, meditation and movement sessions in The Chapel at The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel.

THE SOUL SPA There’ll be a jam-packed programme of free taster events and workshops throughout the entire weekend. It’s a great opportunity to try out everything from reflexology, healing sessions, and spirit readings to an introduction to Tarot reading and Thai massage. Make sure to pre-book your sessions to be sure of a spot. A contribution to Bath Mind is asked in return for attending the free sessions.

RESTORATIVE YOGA WITH YMCA HEALTH & WELLBEING Enjoy a free one-hour yoga class, followed by free access to gym facilities.

There are only 30 spots available, so make sure to reserve yours.

AL FRESCO YOGA AT MACDONALD BATH SPA HOTEL The leisure team at the hotel in the city centre are hosting al fresco yoga and Pilates taster sessions on the lawn of their spectacular private gardens – a perfect opportunity to relax and get back to nature.

CLEVELAND POOLS TRAIL Download the free walking trail from Visit Bath’s website. The gentle stroll celebrates the ongoing restoration of Cleveland Pools, Britain’s oldest lido. The walk explores Laura Place, through the lesser-known Bathwick backwaters, taking in Great Pulteney Street, Sydney Gardens and the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal – until you reach the historic site of the pools.

For more: www.visitbath.co.uk

© ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS clockwise from top left: Cleveland Pools as was; Try out a new treatment at The Soul

Spa; Bladud in Exile, 20 September 1807 by Benjamin West 1738 - 1820; Rooftop luxury at Thermae Bath Spa; Get back in touch with nature and stretch with Macdonald Hotel & Spa; Relax at The Gainsborough; The original spa, the Roman Baths

FOOD & DRINK S N A P S H O T S O F B AT H ’ S F O O D S C E N E Bosco pizzas are in a classical, Neopolitan style

A:ROAM:A offers a fresh menu every week inspired by the cuisine of a different country

BORN TO ROAM

ROOM FOR MORE

New life has arrived in Milsom Place with two brand-new must visit spots to eat. Veros, from the founders of The Colombian Company, serve small Spanish bites for breakfast, brunch and lunch, alongside moreish cakes and the coffee The Colombian Company is famed for.

The long-awaited Bosco Pizzeria also arrived in August. The modern pizza place is all about simple, seasonal and ingredient-led dishes, with weekly imports from Italian markets adding that extra level of authenticity. They’re all handcrafted in classic Neopolitan style and come out light, airy with a very slightly charred crust.

For more: www.milsomplace.co.uk

Veros serve a Spanishinfused menu

A:ROAM:A is an internationally-influenced meal delivery service with a new menu every week launched in February by Jesse Davies and Ross Shaw.“A:ROAM:A was born from our passion for food, travel and flavour and the desire to offer the people of Bath something a bit different,” says Sarah Davies, operations manager. “The menu changes each week and is inspired by flavours, spices and ingredients from different countries around the world. We use the freshest ingredients, working closely with the best local suppliers and hand-make all of our spice blends and pastes from scratch, to extract as much flavour as possible.”Meals are delivered on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-7pm, and customers then need only follow simple heating instructions, serve and enjoy.

For more: www.aroama.co.uk

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER

The Greenhouse Restaurant in Corsham is back. The neighbourhood favourite has reopened its doors following an extended break over the various lockdowns.

New for The Greenhouse’s return is head chef Adrian Warren, who has revamped the menu to champion local produce grown on-site on the grounds of Wadswick Green, the retirement village in which the restaurant is based.

“I always believe in cooking as fresh and local as possible, and I am excited that this will be a keystone New head chef Adrian Warren has for The Greenhouse,” says Adrian. “I am very taken the helm at The Greenhouse Restaurant in Corsham much looking forward to taking the food and dining experience at the restaurant to the next level and I’m excited about the opportunity.”

Highlights on the sample menu include slow roast tomatoes with black pudding, potato beignets, panfried smoked bacon and a caramelized onion puree to start, grilled pork chop with braised red cabbage, roast carrots, dauphinoise potatoes, apple puree and red wine jus, and vegetarians might like the walnut steamed pudding with creamy spring green cabbage, truffle, and roasted squash puree. To finish, guests can choose from desserts such as apple and cardamom tarte tatin with vanilla seed ice cream or passion fruit and raspberry crème brûlée.

For more on what you can enjoy in charming Corsham, turn to page 70.

For more: www.rangefordvillages.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 59

FOOD & DRINK excess oestrogen and bring things back into balance naturally.

What should we be eating?

Focus on brassica veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale; apiaceae veggies like carrot, fennel, celery and parsnips; spices like anise, caraway, coriander, cumin, turmeric, dill and parsley. Omega-3 fatty acids found in wild-caught fish and seeds like flax, hemp, chia and sesame are also important.

Why is sugar so bad for hormone health?

There are a few reasons. Sugar plays havoc with our blood sugar and is perceived as a stressor to the body. Stress impacts our levels of oxytocin which is crucial to overall hormone health. Too much sugar is linked to magnesium deficiency, a magic nutrient for our hormones.

Too much sugar also throws our gut bacteria out of balance and overloads our liver, hindering its ability to eliminate toxins and excess hormones.

Kirsty Smith is the creator of Luna Love Chocolate; INSET: The vegan healthy treats come in five flavours

TAKE 5 Holistic health coach Kirsty

Smith knows that a balanced diet includes chocolate Kirsty Smith’s struggle with hormone health led to a change in career. After overcoming her own acne, poor gut health, brain fog and fatigue, she wanted to help other people confronting the same issues. Now, Kirsty works as a holistic health coach, specialising in helping menstruators overcome the hormonal imbalances that lead to common problems like period pain, PMS, irregular periods and chronic conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). She is also the creator of Lunar Love Chocolate, a range of vegan, healthy treats.

60 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

What part does nutrition play in hormone health?

This is a BIG topic but put simply, what we eat can either nourish our hormones or can cause inflammation, which contributes to period symptoms. We mostly want to eat a diet made up of anti-inflammatory wholefoods that provide key nutrients to support healthy hormone production.

How can food impact period symptoms?

Typically, period symptoms happen when we have too much oestrogen and not enough progesterone.

Focusing on liver-loving and antiinflammatory foods in your diet is a great place to start to help detox

Can we still have some sugar though? (asking for a friend…)

I’m a big advocate of the 80/20 rule. Eat a wholefood diet 80 per cent of the time, get your sweetness from fruit and dark chocolate and then if you want to have [insert your fave sweet treat here], enjoy it, guilt free. There’s more to life than food and feeling restricted.

Why do we crave sugar so much if it’s bad for us?

Sugar cravings, contrary to what we believe, have little to do with willpower – they are linked to unstable blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar is unstable, particularly when low, your brain will be sending out the hunger hormone to get you interested in food again.

How can we kick the cravings?

Top tips – don’t skip meals (there really is a reason why they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day!), try switching up your sweet breakfast for a

savoury one instead, minimise long breaks between meals, make sure you’re getting adequate protein and fat at each meal, start the day with a big mug of hot water and lemon, and if you have your coffee first thing in the morning – switch to having this after breakfast.

What about the comfort cravings?

Once you’ve put the more practical steps above in place, start to become more mindful of your sugar consumption – is it after a meal?

Boredom? Emotional times? When we bring awareness to it, we can implement strategies to overcome the emotions behind the craving.

Tell us about Lunar Love Chocolate

As a self-confessed chocoholic, I created Lunar Love Chocolate because I wanted to enjoy chocolate guilt free, without the sugar crashes.

I wanted to create a chocolate that not only tastes amazing but includes vitamins and minerals, and could be enjoyed without added sugar, soy and weird additives.

Lunar Love Chocolate really is delicious and nutritious.

What makes it a healthier option?

It’s handmade in Bath with organic ingredients and raw cacao – that’s cacao that has been processed at low heat, so that it has a better nutritional value than normal cacao.

What flavours are there?

We have five flavours available at the moment: peppermint crunch, orange, chai, plain and coconut.

Where can we get our hands on some?

You can buy bars directly off the website, or buy at Scoop Wholefoods or Refillable.

What’s your food motto?

I absolutely love this saying from Chinese medicine: ‘It’s better to eat the wrong food with the right attitude than the right food with the wrong attitude.’

For more: www.natural-rays.com

BAR BRETON

Sarah Moolla comes over all oh la la at the city centre French-inspired diner

I

t’s one of those balmy late summer evenings.

The kind that calls for oversized sunglasses and a big glass of something chilled while we bask in those last precious rays, feeling all continental and terribly chic. We are sat in the upstairs window of Bar Breton on Barton Street – which is visually enhancing my European fantasy. The tall Bath stone buildings opposite are glowing golden, there’s the tinkle and chatter of the pavement seated Bar Breton diners wafting in, and the occasional wasp-like whine of a moped (admittedly probably Deliveroo) zipping through the narrow streets.

And then inside, well, we’re not even pretending anymore – I’m in France. The music drifting through is the French-bistro-style accordion-accompanied light jazz, the décor vibe is waxy wine bottles for candlesticks and heavy marble topped tables, with busy and friendly waiters artfully weaving through the spaces expertly delivering

62 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

numerous plates to the numerous customers – it’s Saturday night and the place is packed.

Before food though it’s a large glass of the compulsory, seriously why wouldn’t you, Kir Breton. This is traditionally the first drink you are handed when you arrive in someone’s home in Brittany – we opt for the rosé cidre, which is made near the region of Champagne.

Along with the sweet crisp apple taste, there’s a whisper of strawberries in the sparkles and it’s totally luscious.

Then it’s lift off, and those plates start flying in from all directions. First to arrive is my companion’s baked Riviera sardine skewers from the specials board. I announce I don’t like sardines. “Now might be a time to start liking them,” advises my cheeks-stuffed companion. It’s a revelation – inside three large rolled sardines is a stuffing mix made up of breadcrumbs, onions, sultanas and herbs, the desiccated texture of which acts as a perfect foil to the oiliness of the sardines.

RESTAURANT

Also from the specials is a gluey, garlicky and pungent baked camembert served with crisp thin wedges of wholemeal artisan bread, which is greedily demolished in mere minutes. Bar Breton is campaigning to bring the much-maligned party favourite of the Seventies, the vol au vent, back into fashion, and after tasting their boef bourgenion vol au vent, where do I sign? The flaky pastry is buttery, papery and with a mere press of the fork, fragments, and melts into the rich, wine, gravy stew, heavy with plump morsels of tender, earthy beef. The petit pois, goat’s cheese croûton salad with French dressing is the perfect small plate to help balance the indulgence of the beef and pastry – the almost grass-like aroma and the soft pop of the pale green peas tells us these are straight from the vine, real deal peas. Along with the olive-oil soaked but still crunchy croutons, the peas cut through the piquancy of the sharp, clean goat’s cheese.

One thing I would ask of Bar Breton is to sell itself a little more. The menu is relatively small and concentrated with a handful of specials, so more detail would’ve been helpful. But then maybe that slight apprehension of not knowing exactly what to expect is a replica of that dizzying, dining abroad, experience.

Actually, I have another thing to ask of them – I ask they predict the number of crème brûlée they need, and then double it. There is a chin wobble, blink back the tears, moment when we hear they have sold out (at 8pm). Instead we share the other dessert option of pears poached in the red dessert wine Banyuls served with Chantilly cream and scattered with walnuts. It is delicious – fruity and fullbodied – but all I can think is just how amazing that crème brûlée would’ve been.

I’ve not been to Brittany, the specific region that inspires this coiling, corkscrew three-floor restaurant, but I’ve been to Bar Breton and right now, that’s good enough for me.

But next time I’m getting an earlier flight so I don’t miss that crème brûlée. n

“Along with the sweet crisp apple taste, there’s a whisper of strawberries in the sparkles” DINING DETAILS Bar Breton, 28 Barton Street, Bath, BA1 1HH, tel: 01225 446903; www.barbretonbath.co.uk Opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday:12pm-3pm and 5pm-10pm Saturday:12pm-11pm Sunday: 11am-3pm Owned by The same family who own Pintxos opposite, and is managed by Hannah Murdoch Chefs Stefano Artale and Antony Conigliaro Established November 2020 Type of food French style small plates Covers 65-70 Outdoor space Yes, bistro style seating outside Specialities Sardine salad with fennel and orange, vol au vent du jour, and poached pears

Vegetarian Lots of options and there’s even a vegan board Drinks A handpicked selection of French wines from small family suppliers, and the famous Breton cider, made in the same style as Champagne plus a selection of the very best French spirits Prices Plates are between £3 – £16 Disability access Yes, however toilets are located downstairs Atmosphere Like a little piece of convivial market town France has fallen into city centre Bath And you should know This is a brilliant spot for a pre-theatre, post-show bite to eat or just have a drink – the service is fast and the seating is plentiful

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 63

T

FEAST Richard Bertinet;

below: PingCoombes

YOUR EYES The Great Bath Feast returns to the city this month for three packed days of culinary excellence 64 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

his month, Bath’s biggest culinary stars will take over the city for the return of the Great Bath Feast. From 24-26 September, Milsom Street will be transformed into a buzzing market, filled with street food and pop ups offering the best local and international food and drink. The whole line-up has been curated by the festival’s headline sponsor, Richard Bertinet, legendary founder of the Bertinet Bakery – so expect only the best.

There will be an unmissable demo stage with a jam-packed programme of events from our much loved and renowned local chefs, where they’ll let us in on a few of their best kept culinary secrets.

“Our focus for this year’s Great Bath Feast Chef ’s demo theatre has been on some of our amazing local talent who are doing really great things,” says Richard. “Plus we have the amazing Nathan Outlaw coming up from Cornwall and Ulrika Jonsson. She is a real foodie – just check out her Instagram – having taken part in Celebrity Masterchef a few years back, and will be showing us how to make one of her favourite dishes from her native Sweden.”

Beyond Milsom Street, the Feast is partnering with Bath BID for The Bath Bites Trail, a tour of the city through its must-visit restaurants, cafés and bakeries and their signature dishes. It doesn’t end with the weekend – throughout October, the Feast will host a series of fringe events with establishments around the city.

The Great Bath Feast was originally co-created

by Visit Bath and the Bath BID in 2012, but has now been taken over by ILOW, the leading food and drink events team behind beloved-by-foodies events like the Rock Oyster Festival, Truro Food Festival and St Ives Food and Drink Festival.

You can see the full demo stage line up on the website, but we’ve picked out a few of our highlights…

Ping Coombes burst onto the national scene when she was named BBC Masterchef Champion back in 2014, when she wowed judges with inventive dishes inspired by her Malaysian heritage. Most recently during lockdown she launched Ping At Home, a freshly cooked meal delivery service.

GREAT BATH FEAST

clockwise from top left: Chris Cleghorn;

Noya Pawlyn; Dan Rosser; Garry Rosser; James Golding; Pravin Nayar

Chris Cleghorn is head chef of Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, The Olive Tree.

He honed his craft under the tutelage of a trio of Michelin star chefs: Heston Blumenthal (Fat Duck at Bray), Michael Caines (Gidleigh Park) and Adam Simmonds (Danesfield House).

“Our focus for this year’s Great Bath Feast... has been some of our amazing local talent”

Noya Pawlyn, of the eponymous Noya’s Kitchen hosts supper clubs, lunches, Pho and curry nights with ever-changing menus at her popular Vietnamese restaurant.

Pravin Nayar and Leah Nayar took over the Castle Farm restaurant back in 2018, and it has gone from strength to strength ever since. From their legendary supper clubs and Friday curry nights to their indulgent Sunday roasts, they are a local favourite.

Garry and Dan Rosser are the father-son duo behind Bath institutions The Scallop Shell and The Oyster Shell, the spots we all flock to for the best fish dishes in town – there’s a reason Marco Pierre White has declared them a firm favourite.

James Golding is group chef director at The Pig Hotels. The fellow of the Royal Academy of the Culinary Arts has had quite the career, from trading truffles, foie gras, and caviar for elvers, lamb’s kidneys, Dorset cockles and snipe (yes, you did read that right) to feed his love of British produce, to a stint as head chef of the sixth-floor restaurant at Soho House New York – he’s now passing on all he’s learned to the next generation of chefs through the award-winning Pig apprenticeship programme.

For more: www.greatbathfeast.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 65

Nicholas Curtis is a master stonemason and has been working with stone and making fire surrounds for 25 years.

Each surround is hand carved by Nicholas using traditional skills.

You can have any style made in your own size specifications and they're suitable for solid fuel, wood burners, gas and electric fires.

ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING RINGS HANDMADE BESPOKE JEWELLERY REPAIRS AND REMODELLING

♦ Nicholas also carves bespoke Bath Stone Porticos ♦ ALL FIREPLACES ARE DELIVERED NATIONWIDE.

Unit Q1/Q2 Fiveways Industrial Estate, Westwells Road, Corsham SN13 9RG

CO M MI IL N SO G M SO PL ON A T CE O

9 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY | 01225 460072 jody@jodycory.co.uk | www.jodycory.co.uk |

Tel: 07974076170 or 01225 819600 nicholasbathstonefireplaces@hotmail.co.uk | www.curtisfireplaces.co.uk

Consciously You

Sustainable Mindful Living

HOMEWARE, LIFESTYLE & GIFTS SHOP REFILL STATION • HOUSEHOLD CLEANING BEAUTY • SKINCARE • CANDLES SOAPS • ACCESSORIES WWW.CONSCIOUSLYYOU.CO.UK

Let's Connect: 

CONSCIOUSLYYOUBATH

f

CONSCIOUSLYYOUBATH HELLO@CONSCIOUSLYYOU.CO.UK

1 KENNINGTON ROAD, BATH BA1 3EA

SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

GO FISH

This quirky wallpaper with its brightly coloured tropical fish swimming amongst rich green leaves is rich with character and life, yet also invokes a sense of deep sea calm.

Great for bathrooms, the home office, children’s rooms, it provides an engaging but not distracting background, ideal for those deep thinking moments. See overleaf for more fishy at home ideas.

Aquarium Lush wallpaper by Graham Brown, £65 per roll, stockists Davies of Bath, 19A Monmouth Place, Bath; www.rabart.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 67

GOLDFISH MUG, £14.50 This lovely bone china goldfish mug from Rolfe and Wills features one of a collection of drawings by Alice Rolfe of sealife.

From Homefront Interiors, 10 Margaret’s Building, Bath; www.homefrontinteriors.co.uk

KOI BIRCHWOOD TRAY, £36 This round birch wood tray, a Graham Bannister and Avenida Home collaboration, features beautiful koi fish moving in a mesmerising pond of blue.

From Avenida Home, 27 Walcot Street, Bath; www.avenidahome.com

THE AGE OF AQUARIUM

From whatever angle you look at it, these fishy home accessories are a real catch

FISH STORAGE TINS, £6.95 Two retro style storage tins by Rex London. Just add knitting, pens, or kitchen utensils and essentials.

From Honey on The Hill, 30 Catherine Hill, Frome; www.honeyonthehill.co.uk

WOODEN FISH, £30 A school of six whitewashed wooden fish add both nautical charm and a rustic touch of whimsy to your home.

From Cox & Cox; www.coxandcox.co.uk

FISH SHAPED SERVING PLATE, £17.50 White ceramic embossed fish shaped serving dish by Gisela Graham London, ideal for those fishy party hors d’oeuvres.

From Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

68 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

EDITOR’S CHOICE

RATTAN FISH BASKET, £42 Crafted from natural seagrass, this cheery storage basket brings personality and character to your space.

Perfect children's toys. blankets, or a toilet roll holder.

From Graham and Green, 92 Walcot Street, Bath; www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

FISH DRINKING GLASS, £7.99 Drink like a fish with this bubble-effect tumbler with blue fish detail.

From Vinegar Hill, 16 Milsom Street, Bath; www.vinegarhill.co.uk

FISH SPOONS BY HANNAH TURNER, £33 This box of four ceramic spoons are handmade by the designer in her Wiltshire studio.

From Rossiters of Bath, 38-41 Broad Street, Bath; www.rossitersofbath.com

ACQUARIO BY COLE & SON, £195 PER ROLL A delightful whimsical design wallpaper with vividly detailed clownish fish set on soft washed backgrounds.

Stockists Woodhouse & Law, 4 George’s Place, Bathwick Hill; www.woodhouseandlaw.co.uk

LALIQUE FISH PALE TURQUOISE CRYSTAL SCULPTURE, £79 Bring cool blues to your home with this fish figure exquisitely hand crafted by skilled artisans.

From Mallory 1-5 Bridge Street, Bath; www.mallory-jewellers.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 69

CHARMING

CORSHAM John Mather is wowed by the elegant, superstar of a town Main pictures by Chris Daw

70 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

OUT OF TOWN The welcoming community feel is often cited when praising Corsham

W

hen those in the know talk, or should that be wax lyrical, about Corsham, it’s often prefixed with the phrases ‘a hidden gem’, and ‘Wiltshire’s hidden treasure’ and the place seems to glow in the knowledge of this flattery. It is inland West Country at its best – acres of countryside embracing an elegant and characterful town centre, that, thanks to pretty bunting, golden stonework, a wealth of historic buildings and a lack of chains, seems more like a country village.

But Corsham is no shy, retiring, sleepy backwater. It has been quietly carving out a name for itself to rival the big next-door neighbour of Bath, less than 10 miles away. It played a starring role as the location for BBC1’s Poldark; made the top ten in The Sunday Times 2019 best places to live, citing ‘plenty of cosy, quirky independent cafés tucked inside the ancient stone buildings of the high street’. And somewhat grandly, instead of vicious seagulls or tatty pigeons, the Corsham Court peacocks proudly strut the streets. Here we chat to some of the business owners who are equally proud to work and live in Corsham.

1

STEVE ABBOTT, chairman of Corsham Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Corsham; www.corsham.gov.uk “Making Corsham so great is also all that things we do here. We have The Pound Arts Centre, Springfield Campus, with the pool, library, gym and more under one roof; a huge range of clubs, from arts and crafts to sports; great schools, and facilities for children; festivals and events, plus great independent retailers, places to eat and drink at any time of day, stately Corsham Court – and peacocks. We’re all so used to them that we forget what a surprise a peacock walking across the road can be for people who don’t live or work here.

Corsham’s interesting in that, on the surface, it’s still the same, pretty, English market town it always was (obviously with a growing population due to the development around us), with strong links to the arts. Behind the scenes, though, it’s also a hub for innovation. MOD Corsham is here, the area’s biggest employer. We have the Digital Mansion, a centre for digital businesses, and many of our larger businesses are at the forefront of the latest technology.”

2

CILLA HUBBARD, owner and dispensing optician of the independent Corsham Opticians; 11 High Street, Corsham; www.corshamopticians.co.uk “All the businesses are independent so offer the same customer service ethos that we have. During lockdown there was no good reason to leave Corsham as everything needed was here plus the owners worked very hard to offer delivery services as well.

“It’s very encouraging to see that business is starting to bounce back post lockdown as our wonderful locals have supported us throughout. There are new offices being occupied and there are new houses being built, both of which bring new people into the town, helping it to grow.”

3

“The town has definitely seen an expansion of independent businesses over the last few years”

NICOLA WHITE, owner of the mini-department store Previous Homewares, 51-53 High Street, Corsham; www.previoushomewares.co.uk “We love living here because it’s such an attractive, peaceful and friendly place, with such beautiful buildings, great independent shops and eateries. We have a loyal local following, but increasing numbers are coming to Corsham because it’s so lovely – especially when combined with a visit to Corsham Court, the Park, Almshouses and the famous peacocks that wander the streets. I’m sure it helps having Lacock, Biddestone and Castle Combe nearby too.

“The town has definitely seen an expansion of independent businesses over the last few years. There was always an excellent greengrocers, butchers and hardware store, but since the Methuen Arms became a boutique hotel and inn, more and more interesting shops are opening.”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 71

Selling houses in the south west for 16 years, covering 3 counties

Experience the difference

www.hunterfrench.co.uk

UNDER OFFER

HORNBEAMS, LOWER KINGSDOWN

£800,000

Enjoy the sunset over an evening meal from the balcony of this stunning home, set amidst the beautiful countryside within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and all within a short drive of the historic city of Bath. Hornbeams is beautifully presented and styled to create a stunning three bedroom home with further potential to extend with planning permission granted to add a two storey extension.

LYPIATT ROAD, CORSHAM

GUIDE PRICE £415,000

Situated within walking distance to Corsham town centre and popular local schools is this stunning bath stone Victorian period home which is not only presented to an exceptionally high standard but also comes with a spacious garden studio which has power, a wall mounted air-conditioning unit and heating. With a fine blend of period features mixed with modern style, this superb property offers any discerning buyer a home that will be sure to impress and offer warmth and comfort.

Corsham Office: 3 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0ES Tel: 01249 715775 email: corsham@hunterfrench.co.uk

OUT OF TOWN Corsham residents are as proud as a peacock of their town

4

JAINE WHITFIELD, Estate agent; www.jaine whitfield.co.uk “When I first moved to Corsham it was a little rougher around the edges than it is today with less facilities.

Nowadays the influx of buyers from Bath and other local areas has brought the investment into the area.

Maybe the famous residents such as Camilla Parker-Bowles and Nick Mason has put the town more on the map. There are more independent shops and restaurants now and the facilities have the investment.

“There has been some new estates built over the years but luckily not at the level seen in other areas, such as Berkshire. There are things that have not changed such as the rugby and cricket clubs and the strong community spirit. I’m sure there may be more peacocks around too!”

“A perfect Cotswold stone High Street with the added amusement of feral peacocks” 5

KATE WHITTINGHAM-JONES, owner of If The Shoe Fits, 5 Martingate, Corsham; www.iftheshoefits.shop “I loved Corsham pretty much from the offset when I moved here 18 years ago. It looks gorgeous, and is full of such community spirit. One of the best assets we have is the two hours free parking, and the easy stroll around the town with all the lovely shops, cafés and restaurants.

“It’s been great to see the town coming back to life with all our community events. The Peacock Arts Trail is back, the Street Fair is back and hopefully we will have the Christmas Lights turn on again – my favourite night of the year!”

6

JOY WISNIEWSKI, financial planner and head of Hartsfield Planning at Hartsfield Financial Services, Hartham Park, Corsham; www.hartsfield.co.uk “From a practical perspective, Corsham is close to the motorway and is conveniently located for a number of towns from Bath across to Swindon.

Slightly less analytically, the town and its bordering villages are quintessentially English with a fantastic community feel.

“It’s a great location and creates a special first impression for our clients which has often been commented upon.

“There are some new housing developments popping up and some of the ex MOD sites are being repurposed – particularly for tech/ digital businesses but what I like is the fact that it doesn’t feel like it’s evolved too much so the town centre still has a traditional feel with local, independent shops.”

Beautiful Cotswold stonework in Church Street

“The Pound Art Centre offers cinema, comedy, live music and dance events” www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 73

OUT OF TOWN

7

MATTHEW ROGERS, managing director of Clear Vision Accountancy, 1 Abacus House, Newlands Road, Corsham; www.clearvisionaccountancygroup.co.uk “I didn’t know a lot about Corsham when I first worked here but it seemed to me that it was the obvious place to live if you couldn’t afford to live in Bath. I had no real idea at that time what Corsham had to offer. I soon found out it is a positive and vibrant town, a great place to bring up my son and enjoy life with my family.

“It is a friendly environment with a good range of places to eat and socialise. I enjoy watching Corsham Town FC and my son has recently become part of the rugby club in Corsham. In terms of wellbeing, I regularly cycle with the Corsham Cycling Club and can often be seen walking my labrador on one of the many walking routes, which often finishes with a drink at one of the many pubs in the area.”

Corsham Court, home of the local peacocks

8

AMBER EDENBROW, studio owner and instructor at Precision Pilates Studio, Unit 4, Abacus House, Newlands Road, Corsham; www.precision-pilates.co.uk “I love Corsham. My husband and I got married here in Corsham at the Almshouses.

“We have so many wonderful independent businesses, shops, cafés and restaurant, yet just a 15-minute drive into Bath if needed. I like to shop as local as possible using the greengrocer, the butcher, deli, health food shop and bakers.

“There’s also so much to do – Corsham Court is wonderful for walks, feeding the ducks and picnics. The Pound Art Centre offers cinema, comedy, live music and dance events. There’s also a rugby club, football club, swimming club, hockey club, plus great schools.”

9

JANET BRAKPSPEAR, proprietor of The Corsham Bookshop, 16 Martingate, High Street, Corsham; www.facebook.com/ corshambookkshop “The first time I came to Corsham I arrived via Newlands Road and the Co-op car park and thought it a rather dull looking precinct... then I came round the corner and thought, Wow! A perfect Cotswold stone High Street

Independent shops are thriving in Corsham

with the added amusement of feral peacocks.... how come I have lived in Bristol and Bath for years and never visited!

“For me Corsham is the perfect size, not so big to be impersonal but big enough to have lots happening.

People here are mostly very friendly and supportive and there is practically everything you could want on your doorstep, and both London and Bath are not too distant should you want the bright lights, and rural Wiltshire is pretty much in our back garden.”

10

The restaurant and bar Mother & Wild is owned by Debbie Still

74 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

DEBBIE STILL, owner of restaurant and bar Mother & Wild, 8 High Street, Corsham; www.motherandwild.com “Corsham is welcoming, refreshing, and has something for everyone. It’s a great location with the town surrounded by lots of lovely countryside walks. It’s also on the flat which makes it easily accessible for all.

“There’s a good variety of independent shops, great leisure facilities, and I love that the fabulous Corsham Court actually sits right in the heart of the town.

“A strong amount of residential properties combined with business makes it an ideal market town and the fact that does evolve, but slowly and gently, means Corsham will always retain its unique identity.” n

P R erfect

ooms

FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS, COME & VISIT OUR

INTERIORS SHOWROOM

Bespoke Curtains & Blinds, Upholstery, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpaper, New furniture ranges, Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs. Flooring, Rugs, House Accessories.

Find us at Silver Street, Gastard, Corsham, SN13 9PY

We are just a 4 minute drive from Corsham Town Centre with free customer parking available

BATHROOMS AND WARDROBES FROM INSPIRATIONAL BATHROOMS

www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • interiors@perfectrooms.co.uk

3 2 and ed und year f s place ble availa

✴✴✴✴✴✴ OPEN

MORNING ✴✴✴✴✴✴

Saturday 16th October, 10am - 1pm BOOK YOUR VISIT NOW Come and look around our lovely setting and let the children play!

Little Willows Day Nursery, Powlett Road, Bath BA2 6QH FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US:

T: 01225 332296 • E: info@littlewillowsdaynursery.co.uk www.littlewillowsdaynursery.co.uk

Follow us on

Independent opticians Private & NHS sight tests Children’s eyecare Low Vision Service Contact Lenses Wheelchair accessible

Corsham Opticians 11 High Street, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 0ES Tel: 01249 712369 | info@corshamopticians.co.uk www.corshamopticians.co.uk

Reach the best in the west Affluent, active and influential and just a call away

Helping business owners in Corsham and beyond to manage business growth and development.

WHEN YOU WORK WITH CLEAR VISION: • You get the financial clarity you need to run your business • You get a team who discuss how you can improve your business Running a business is a challenge and we play a part in supporting you personally.

We ensure you understand what's going on in your business.

This helps reduce the pressure on you so you can switch off from work when you head home to your family.

If that sounds good, Clear Vision could be a fit for you and your business.

Clear Vision Accountancy Limited 1 Abacus House, Newlands Road, Corsham SN13 0BH Tel: 01249 712074 Email: theteam@cvag.co.uk www.clearvisionaccountancygroup.co.uk

Bath Life team 01225 475800

It’s the city’s business

BATHWORKS

THIS ISSUE >>KALEIDOCOPE PLANS FOR THE BISHOPSTROW HOTEL (84) >>BIZ Q&A WITH HELEN RUMFORD (86) >>BUSINESS CLUB LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT ANN HIATT (87)

On your bike B&NES Council is upping its e-bike accessibility

© IG @EKORPHOTOGR APHER

M B&NES has secured £70k of funding for e-bikes and bike infrastructure

BUSINESS CLUB

ore B&NES residents will get access to electric bikes thanks to new funding secured by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The £70k funding from the West of England Combined Authority has purchased ten e-bikes and four adapted e-trikes that will be available to loan for free.

“This is fantastic news and will help us in our efforts to tackle the climate emergency and improve air quality by encouraging residents and businesses to swap their vehicles for more sustainable modes of transport,” says councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel. “We know the steep hills in our towns and city poses a barrier to using traditional bikes for some people. Electric bikes and trikes overcome this issue as you don’t have to use pedal power alone, enabling many more of us to take positive action to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality as we work towards achieving net zero.”

The funding will also support the installation of infrastructure for the bikes, including two lockable storage hangars, and other measures like free e-cycle training sessions.

The new bikes are in addition to the council’s growing fleet, which has proved popular in the city, with the service recording its 1000th loan earlier this year.

For more: www.bathnes.gov.uk

Virtual one hour sessions, all free to attend Search Bath Life on LinkedIn for upcoming dates and registration If you would like to get involved, please email events@mediaclash.co.uk MEDIACLASH.CO.UK 115

BATHWORKS

The minds behind the Kaleidoscope Collection have laid out their plans for the Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

Meet Bristol & Bath team Vicki Webb, Anna Mead and Amy Phillips

MAKE A STATEMENT Bath’s famous hotelier group, Kaleidoscope Collection, recently announced the £5.5 million acquisition of Wiltshire’s Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa. Just over a month after the official reopening of the venue, Ian Taylor and Jonathan Walker, co-owners of Bishopstrow, have begun putting firm plans in place for the hotel and spa’s Kaleidoscope-style transformation.

“Change won’t happen overnight”, says Ian. “There are short-term plans for immediate implementation and other visions that we will aim to create over the next few years.”

Revamping the spa offering and welcoming a specialist senior management team, and introducing new and exciting features, such as dining domes, are all expected to be in place

by the end of the year. Grander plans like turning the current events space into a show-stopping events venue and completely reimagining the hotel’s décor to fit Ian’s well-known statement look, will take a little longer.

But the renovation isn’t going to be a project undertaken only by Kaleidoscope.

“Bishopstrow has been the soul of Wiltshire for centuries, and its significance to the people of the South West is what is driving us to get this renovation spot on.

It’s important to us that the community is as involved in the evolution of Bishopstrow as we are.

“We want masterpieces from local artists, chefs with a taste for local produce and teams with a love for the rolling hills of Wiltshire,” says Jonathan.

For more: www.bishopstrowhotel.com

TEAM WORK Meet Bristol & Bath Convention Bureau has been named a finalist for two prestigious industry awards, following a rebrand earlier this year. The Convention Bureau works to promote the Bath and Bristol region as a key destination for business events, and supports the planning of such events in the region.

The team has earned a spot on the shortlist for Best UK Convention Bureau at the M&IT Awards, which is the biggest awards in the industry. They have also been named as finalists in the miaList 2021 Team Award, which recognises outstanding and passionate teams in the events world.

“This is an incredible, but well deserved, double shortlist for the Meet Bristol & Bath team,” says Kathryn Davis, director of tourism for Visit West. “The last 18 months have been catastrophic for the events industry, and the team, which at the time was reduced to just one person due to furlough, continued to support organisers and venues whether rescheduling or providing updates and guidance. I am so proud of all they have achieved, not least the rebrand and inclusion of venues in the Bath area, extending their service to cover the west of England. Their dedication and positivity in incredibly difficult circumstances has been inspiring.”

For more: www.meetbristolbath.co.uk

OVER THE FINISH LINE

Steve Caie, site manager (Sage Developments); Cllr Sarah Warren; Cllr Kevin Guy; Cllr Richard Samuel; George Riley, chair of Batheaston New Village Hall trustees (BNVH) and Peter Fear BNVH trustee

84 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Batheaston is getting a new village hall. The new flexible space for the community is set for completion this October thanks to the support of a £100,000 grant from B&NES. The space will include a fully equipped kitchen, large storage areas and field access, and is for residents of all ages across the east of Bath to host a range of activities. The funding is from the Council Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is allocated to projects that improve local facilities.

“It’s been a lot of hard work but we are now getting close to finishing the build of the Batheaston New Village Hall,” says George Riley, chair of Batheaston New Village Hall. “It will be a wonderful asset to our local community for many years to come and the generous B&NES CIL award has now given us the confidence that we have enough funds to complete the building. We’ve still some further funds to raise but we are now in the best possible place to get the hall finished and open to the community. We send a very big thank you to Bath & North East Somerset Council from the Village Hall trustees.”

The project is forecast to cost a total of £850,000.

For more: www.batheastonhall.org

David Bryson is Bath Abbey’s first music scholar

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC A MUSICAL NOTE Bath Abbey’s Music Department’s very first scholar starts this month.

David Bryson has secured a place at the University of Bath to study Computer Science, and will also join the Abbey as the first recipient of the Dr Martin Clarke Organ Scholarship.

“We are delighted to be welcoming a talented young organist as our Bath Abbey Dr Martin Clarke Organ Scholar from September 2021,” says Huw Williams, director of music at the Abbey. “David was one of the leading organists at Eton College and is already very experienced at accompanying and playing the organ. Having an excellent young organist and musician in our midst will offer many exciting possibilities and we greatly look forward to welcoming him in September. We are grateful to Dr Martin Clarke for supporting this venture which is an investment in the education of young organists in conjunction with YOST, the Young Organ Scholars Trust.” www.bathabbey.org

SHARE THE LOVE

Bath-based pleasure products and accessories e-commerce site Lovehoney has completed a merger with WOW Tech Group, a German retailer of premium sexual wellness products, creating a global business worth over £850 billion. Lawyers from Bristol firm Osborne Clarke advised on the transaction.

Launched 19 years ago, Lovehoney sells more than 150 products serving 2.2 million customers. It has a growing team of more than 300 based in Bath, around the UK and internationally.

Bath founders of the company Richard Longhurst and Neal Slateford will retain minority stakes in the business and sit on its board of directors. www.lovehoney.co.uk

The Ammerdown Centre is offering NHS Chaplains funded stays so they can escape for a much needed rest

A LITTLE R&R IN RADSTOCK The Ammerdown Centre in Radstock is offering fully sponsored stays to NHS chaplains. The two-day retreats offer NHS chaplaincy staff of all faiths a much-needed opportunity to rest, relax and be taken care of in the tranquil grounds of the Grade I listed property in Ammerdown Park.

Throughout the pandemic, NHS chaplaincy staff

have been on the front lines of support with Covid patients and their families, as well as the NHS staff. Ammerdown is a charity, and they are asking for contributions in order to keep providing the funded stays, which cost £170 per person.

The next retreat is 20-22 September.

For more: www.ammerdown.org

EDUCATION MATTERS Our month of education talks wraps up on 27 September with a Bath Life Business Club including speakers Andy Salmon, pro-vice chancellor of Bath Spa University and Paul MacKenzie-Cummins, founder and managing director of Clearly PR, along with other insightful perspectives from the local business community.

The discussion, hosted on Zoom, will focus on the current cohort of students and the opportunities they have missed out on as a result of the pandemic. In addition to the obvious academic fallout of the pandemic, students have also lost access to vital, real-world, CV-building experiences like job placements, projects, work experience – let alone actual jobs when they graduate. In this dynamic conversation, we’ll dive into the responsibilities local businesses have to these students, and how the community can rally to support them – and benefit from a wealth of new talent in the process.

You can sign up now for the Business Club, which starts at 11am on 27 September, via Bath Life’s social media. To catch up with the Bath Life Business Club with Ann Hiatt, author of Bet On Yourself and formerly of Google and Amazon, turn to page 87.

For more: Instagram and Twitter @bathlifemag

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins, founder and managing director of Clearly PR will feature in the next Bath Life Business Club

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 85

BATHWORKS

“IT’S GREAT THAT WE ARE SEEING INCREASING INTEREST IN GREEN ENERGY”

Helen specialises in working with green energy clients

BIZ Q&A

Helen Rumford

The partner and head of energy brings 16 years of experience in the sector to her role at the newly created GA Energy What is GA Energy?

GA Energy is a niche energy law service launched in 2020 by GA Solicitors, that specialises in helping clients in the renewable energy sector plan, build and manage energy projects, across different technologies including solar and wind projects, throughout the UK. We also advise other clients of the wider firm on steps they can take to ‘go green’.

What does your role involve?

I head up a team of talented energy lawyers working on the corporate, commercial, property and dispute resolution aspects of energy projects.

What sort of projects do you work on?

In a typical working week I can be advising a stock exchange listed company on one of the largest portfolios of ground mounted solar assets in the UK on how to maximise value from that portfolio or on new assets they are looking to acquire, I can be advising a number of

86 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

energy developers actively racing to secure funding for new projects or to secure land rights, planning or grid connections for new energy generation projects.

Is it all big business?

No – I also talk to community groups about new rooftop solar schemes for schools and community buildings.

How do you support green energy suppliers?

For a number of years now, the green energy sector has experienced sudden changes in government support, regulation and planning policy. Lawyers have played a key role in helping clients to navigate these changes, ultimately to help facilitate more successful green energy projects.

What are some of the challenges facing the sector?

I think one of the main challenges to the role of green energy in tackling climate change is to increase the take up from people and businesses who

are not working specifically in the energy sector. It’s great that we are seeing increasing interest in green energy and a real motivation to come together in a collective effort to tackle climate change, but a lot of businesses don’t yet know where to start.

How can businesses implement more eco-friendly practices?

For those businesses looking to go green there may be opportunities to generate their own on-site green energy, for example by installing rooftop solar or leasing airspace above the roof to a community or commercial solar developer to install and own the panels, but for the business to then buy the solar energy at a much reduced cost.

And if you don’t have a rooftop to use?

Some steps might include looking at the green and sustainability credentials of suppliers to the

business, considering day to day decisions in the office such as whether the current volume of printing is needed, or if the office can transition to being paperless or paper-light. Is all current business travel necessary or would it increase productivity and efficiency to replace some internal meetings with video conferencing?

What if travel is unavoidable?

If it is absolutely necessary, can it be by train, or if using a fleet of company cars, can these be electric? Increasing numbers of employers are also supporting cycle and walk to work schemes.

Why did you start a group for female energy experts?

The collaboration group came about during a discussion I was having with a friend who also works in the energy sector. We were both responsible in our jobs for anticipating what might be coming up in the year ahead, where the challenges and opportunities might be for energy and for those working in the sector. We approached a few key women who were the head of their businesses or who were in roles where they were tasked with what at the time felt like crystal ballgazing responsibilities.

So you’re not all solicitors?

The group complements each other, so I contribute from a legal perspective, but we’ve also got representation from energy finance and investment, technology, engineering, policy, planning and environmental and project management. If you work in a fast changing, ever evolving sector like energy, collaboration groups like this are extremely useful to stay up to date.

For more: GA Energy, Clarendon Suite, Cambridge House, Henry Street, Bath; www.GAsolicitors.com

BATHWORKS The Bath Life Business Club via Zoom with Greg Ingham hosted the phenomenal Ann Hiatt

become like. When you seek out those things you naturally level up in whatever role you’re given.

What did you learn at Google?

From Marissa Meyer I learned to do things before I was ready – she taught me that you learn the most that way. From Eric Schmidt I learned to stay insatiably curious.

Eric had a brass plaque on his desk that said ‘if at all possible, say yes’, and he embodied that to the extreme.

A GOOD BET Formerly with Amazon and Google, and now a leadership strategist, Ann Hiatt shares the fascinating story behind her extraordinary career

A

nn Hiatt has worked with three of the most influential CEOs in the modern world: Jeff Bezos at Amazon, and Marissa Meyer and Eric Schmidt at Google. She is now a leadership strategist, recently released her first book, Bet On Yourself, and hosts a podcast of the same name. At a recent Bath Life Business Club, she shared some of the lessons she has learned during her extraordinary career so far.

Have you always dreamed big?

My parents are self-made people, and firstgeneration non-farmer. My dad had seen the toll that farming life took on his dad and his three older brothers, and he decided that he wanted a different dream for himself. He wanted to be a fighter pilot, and he made that dream come true.

I saw this ability to seek out bigger dreams and be unafraid of doing things that no one around you has ever done. That’s the beautiful upbringing that I had – just don’t be apologetic about your big dreams and work harder than anyone around you.

How did Amazon happen?

My interview process took nine months, with three different rounds. The third round was with Jeff Bezos himself. In that interview he only asked me two questions – the traditional five-year plan question,

and a brain teaser. He asked me to estimate the number of panes of glass in the city of Seattle.

I was 20 years old, and it was my first formal job interview. I hadn’t anticipated that question – even though it is very traditional in tech to ask brain teasers. So, I just thought – why is he asking me this? He wants to see if I can take this big, complex problem and figure out what are the elements needed to solve it and get to an answer.

What was Amazon like in the early days?

One of the names Jeff considered for Amazon in the early days was Relentless – that was the environment, and I loved it. I was not a great example of work/life balance in the first part of my career, but it didn’t burn me out because I was so mission and value aligned. Nobody asked me to work 18-hour days on average – I just did. One, because it was necessary; two, we were trying to do something no one had ever done before, faster and better than anyone else; and most importantly, third – I didn’t want to miss it. I didn’t want to be the one who didn’t come in on Saturday when they broke through and finally solved that big problem – I wanted to be there and be part of that story.

Did you always know what you wanted your career to look like?

It was not some grand plan of mine to work for three of the most powerful and most impactful CEOs in the world – it just kind of happened. However, I did know that whatever seat I landed in I was looking for three things. First, I was looking to be in a disruptive environment where I was going to be on the forefront of whatever was happening next, second was wherever I was going to learn the absolute most and third was working for a leader I wanted to

Why did you write a book?

I witnessed some irrevocable moments in history – the internet in its infancy, Jeff Bezos inventing not only e-commerce but the gold standard of e-commerce, Google in its infancy. I wrote it to give people access to the things I had to learn the hard way, and the best practices I saw modelled by Jeff Bezos, Eric Schmidt and Marissa Meyer. I want people to see there was nothing exceptional about me, there’s nothing that makes me any different than anyone else, and I was able to take those best practices from my CEO mentors and apply it into my own career, to create extraordinary things out of really ordinary opportunities.

What part of your career so far has taught you the most?

Periods of disruption by far have been when I have learned the most. I was trying to get my start in the dot com bust of the early 2000s, then in 2008 I was working at Google during that economic crisis, and watching how Eric pivoted the company to support our global users, who were all in crisis as well. After 12 years at Google, I disrupted myself and I moved from the States to Europe to set up my own start-up – not anticipating that in six months we would have a global pandemic.

People think that their comfort zone is their safety zone, but I really truly believe that’s when you get complacent and that’s when you can get disrupted by external forces. I would rather be the one choosing to disrupt myself.

Watch the conversation again on Bath Life’s YouTube channel For more: www.annhiatt.co

The Bath Life Business Surgery is a regular free Zoom meeting where businesses can access expert advice and insight from local professionals across a range of disciplines.

Follow @bathlifemag on social media for information about the latest clubs and how to sign up.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 87

© SOUL MEDIA

BATHWORKS

The Bath Life Awards will now take place at Bath Pavilion on 21 September

Save the date

B

The Awards night has moved to a new date and venue

© SOUL MEDIA

ig news: this year’s Bath Life Awards will now be on 21 September at Bath Pavilion.

All tickets for the former date and venue will be valid.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause – it’s due to Covid-related capacity circumstances beyond our control,” says Annie Miekus, events and brand manager at MediaClash, organisers of the Awards. “But we look forward to

Alice O’Mahony, Tim Rutherford, Alexandra Weatherdon from Stone King

The Bath Life Awards celebrates the best of Bath’s businesses, from professional services to cafés, retail to charity

TESTIMONIAL

“We were delighted to become a finalist, but going on to win was incredible!”

Steven Greenwood, managing partner at Stone King, Legal & Financial winners 2020

welcoming all our fabulous finalists to the Pavilion on the 21 September instead.”

In addition to the new venue, we’ve also updated our safety protocols. To help ensure a safe Bath Life Awards and give reassurance to attendees, proof of negative Covid status will be required to enter. This means either a Lateral Flow Test negative within 24 hours of the awards (so from 6pm Monday 20 September) or proof of double vaccination.

You can either email your proof to gemma.

AWARDS The uberglam Bath Life Awards will be held on 21 September 2021 at Bath Pavilion, sponsored by Headliners The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. The night kicks off at 6.30pm with a drinks reception sponsored by Juice Recruitment, followed by the dinner and the Awards.

DRESSCODE As utterly uber-glamorous as you wish. Be sure to get your photo taken as Cover Star, sponsored by Freestyle Designs.

AFTER PARTY Sponsored and hosted by Sub 13 on Edgar Buildings – from 10.30pm onwards…

SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter for all updates. And look out for our

scrine@mediaclash.co.uk, which will aid your access, or display proof via your phone at the awards (text confirmation, NHS pass or vaccination card.) We will have a limited number of Lateral Flow Tests on the night, but please do it in advance. You can find a more detailed breakdown of safety protocols on the Bath Life Awards website.

See you there.

For more: www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

Media Wall on the evening, sponsored by Triangle Networks.

HOW DO I BOOK A TICKET? Due to demand tickets are on sale to finalists only, please get in touch with info@mediaclash. co.uk if you wish to check availability.

ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW? You can book tickets and tables with confidence for our Awards. Here’s our guarantee: If the government’s venue restrictions due to the pandemic mean that we cannot accommodate your booking this year, you will have the option of either: • A full refund; or • You can defer your tickets or tables until next year’s event We take our responsibility to our attendees, our partners’

teams and our own teams very seriously, so that we can all have a safe and enjoyable experience.

SPONSORS We thank our 2021 sponsors, led from the front by Headline Sponsor The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Plus Apex City of Bath Hotel, Bath Audi, Bath Life, Bath Rugby, Clearly PR, Freestyle Designs, Hotel Indigo, Juice Recruitment, Marsh Commercial, Minuteman Press, Novia, Savills, Spaces, Stone King, Sub 13, Triangle Networks and Truespeed.

SILVER SPONSORS Cassia, Curious Universe, Digital Samurai, The Ivy, Kelly Marie Kitchens, Mostly Media, SBS Design and Build, Transform Communications, Unividual and Winkworth.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 89

SPONSORED CONTENT

THE ENTREPRENEUR SERIES EXPLORE, EMPOWER, EXPERIMENT The Happy Donut Bakery’s co-founder Meg Smith on how a lockdown hobby became a full-time business

I

n 2020 I was completing my final year at the University of Bath’s School of Management. My girlfriend Nat was on furlough and wanted to learn something new to keep busy. Banana bread was having a moment on social media, but Nat decided to make vegan donuts instead. Before long we were baking and delivering donuts every day.

Word got out on Instagram and our donut orders grew and grew, so I decided to take the plunge and co-run The Happy Donut Bakery full-time. On a typical day we get up at 4am to bake, before carrying the goods down five flights of stairs from our flat, loading up the car and making deliveries. We ran a pop-up bake sale once and made the local news when hundreds of people queued around the streets! Most customers are surprised the donuts are vegan – they can’t tell the difference.

My Accounting and Finance degree helped me in ways I didn’t expect. When I realised I didn’t want to be an accountant, I was able to delve into other areas of business without changing my course. I took classes in marketing, HR, business and innovation, which have been really useful. The School of Management also helped me make connections. The alumni network is very supportive and happy to share their experiences and advice.

To me, ambition is having a goal in mind and not letting a lack of resources stop you. We’re 23 years old and built our business from home, with minimal funding. Until now, it’s been our aim to make this our full-time job, but eventually we want to own a café in Bath. We both love the city and all its charm, and we’re so proud to be finalists in the Bath Life Awards’ New Business category...

Watch this space.

Are you a graduate of the School of Management with a story to share? Connect with us: alumni@management.bath.ac.uk or via social media @bathsofm Interested in studying a business or management course? Find out more on our website: www.bath.ac.uk/management www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 91

SPONSORED CONTENT

MEET THE SOLICITOR Bath’s legal experts are on hand to guide you through difficult times EDD THOMPSON

SOLICITOR, BATTENS SOLICITORS

supportive of me, as it is a two-year role, shared with a co-president who is soon to be a new parent like me.

01225 536871; www.battens.co.uk What do you specialise in?

I specialise in property disputes extensively relating to commercial property and development land. I am fortunate that my work is varied and no two days are the same.

What professional accomplishment has made you most proud?

I was extremely proud to be asked to stand as vice president of Bristol Law Society (BLS), the oldest Law Society in England. BLS and Battens have been very

What is the biggest mistake you see your clients making?

Becoming entrenched and making a dispute personal. I help them see the bigger picture and be more objective so their judgement is not clouded by emotion.

What predictions do you have for your sector for the next 12 months?

The pandemic has led to a decrease in demand for office-based working, which could lead to more property disputes. Disputes generally are on the increase and I expect that to continue.

CATHERINE SMITH

ELEANOR WOOD

01225 462871; www.blbsolicitors.co.uk

01249 712193; www.goughs.co.uk

What is your favourite part of the job?

As a family solicitor, I often meet clients when they are at their lowest ebb. When they start to view their future in a brighter and more positive light, I know it is a job well done.

If you weren’t in the legal world, what would you be doing?

A doctor, but I don’t like the sight of blood! I‘m caring and approachable – key qualities for both professions. Similar skills are needed; empathy, making people feel at ease, and building a rapport so they trust you to do the right thing.

JOINT MANAGING PARTNER, BLB SOLICITORS

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

I take a holistic approach, looking at the circumstances as a whole, assessing the impact of the various options and working with my clients to achieve an appropriate solution.

What accomplishment has made you most proud?

On a professional level, being invited to take over as managing partner of BLB was a huge compliment. I am committed to continuing the BLB ethos of providing excellent client care, a high standard of service and ensuring that our hardworking and talented staff are recognised and rewarded for their work. On a personal level, adopting my two children has been the most rewarding and wonderful experience, as well as the steepest learning curve!

If you weren’t working in the legal world, what would you be doing?

I’d probably be a psychologist – I find people’s personalities absolutely fascinating!

92 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

ASSOCIATE FAMILY SOLICITOR, GOUGHS SOLICITORS

FRANCES NASH

ASSOCIATE FAMILY LAWYER, AWDRY BAILEY & DOUGLAS SOLICITORS 01249 478597; www.awdrys.co.uk Tell us something about yourself?

I am a highly experienced Family Law specialist and have always worked in the legal profession. I offer a listening and sympathetic ear, realistic and pragmatic advice, with a view to resolving matters as amicably and as quickly as possible, achieving the best possible outcomes for my clients.

What is your favourite part of the job?

I very much enjoy helping people and accompanying them on their journey through what is often a very difficult and uncertain time. I feel a great sense of pride and achievement when clients are able to resolve issues and feel they can move on in their lives.

How has working as a solicitor changed over the last few years?

Solicitors are more accessible, with most firms developing a strong IT infrastructure. The Courts have established remote and hybrid hearings, to continue to assist families. We have become more accessible to our clients, knowing the usual 9-5 is not always best for them. I frequently amend my hours to suit clients’ needs and I’m available to provide advice and support, irrespective of the time of day.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

I specialise in divorce, separation and children matters. I undertake much of my own advocacy and by representing clients throughout the process, without instructing counsel, ensure they receive continuity. I am down to earth and build strong relationships so my clients feel comfortable, knowing they’re not alone.

SPONSORED CONTENT

TRACEY SMITH

JOHN OSMAN

HEAD OF FAMILY & MEDIATION TEAM, STONE KING

SENIOR ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR, MOGERS DREWETT

0800 111 4336; www.stoneking.co.uk

VICTORIA BARNETT

PARTNER, SHARP FAMILY LAW 01225 448 955; www.sharpfamilylaw.com

01225 750 000; www.mogersdrewett.com What is your favourite part of the job?

Getting to know my clients, finding out what’s important to them and helping to find the best solution for them and their families during a stressful and uncertain time.

What do you specialise in?

I represent individuals and companies in a wide range of consumer, contentious probate, property, and commercial disputes.

What area do you specialise in?

I have over 30 years’ experience advising clients about matters following separation and divorce. These are typically matters where there are significant assets, business interests, trust arrangements, both UK and international, and all types of pensions.

What professional accomplishment are you proudest of?

The instrumental role which led to the successful merger between Stone King and Mowbray Woodwards, where I was managing partner for over 10 years. Being managing partner, and now head of Family and Mediation at Stone King is sometimes challenging but rewarding.

Do you prefer seeing clients by Zoom or in person?

The pandemic has changed so much for so many but one thing that hasn’t changed is that our clients are key and their needs are paramount.

I am happy to meet with them on a range of platforms, but to be able to meet them face-toface again is great.

How has working as a solicitor changed over the last couple of years?

Before Covid most of my client meetings were face to face and this involved regular travel to London, Cornwall, Birmingham, and Southampton. With the restrictions we have all had to work with, I have been so impressed with law firms and clients embracing video conferencing. This not only saves a great deal of time, but also helps to reduce our carbon footprint.

How do you get your work/life balance right?

As well as working for Mogers Drewett, I am a governor at the Royal United Hospital, a parish councillor, and a father of two-year-old twins, so it is essential for me to get the right work/life balance. It is not always a 9 to 5 job doing your best for your clients and the residents you represent, so it is important to be flexible while making time to wind down and take the children on walks or to the park.

HELEN STARKIE SOLICITOR HELEN STARKIE 01225 442353; www.helenstarkie.co.uk

What area do you specialise in?

We specialise in non-litigious work for individuals, families and entrepreneurs – Tax Planning, bespoke Wills, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection work, Care Home contracts, Care Funding and Property transactions.

When was the firm founded and by whom?

I founded the firm eleven years ago. After training and qualifying at a London firm I had for over twenty years run very large private client departments in two sizeable regional firms; but I became disillusioned by the way that they had become more ‘corporate’ in their approach to private individuals

What do you specialise in?

I’m a family lawyer, and I specialise in helping clients resolve complex financial and childrelated disputes on separation. Many of my clients want to reach settlements that protect both their best interests and that of their children. My specialism is helping clients achieve these objectives in a constructive way, minimising conflict and emotional damage for the whole family.

What is the biggest mistake you see your clients making?

I find that some clients try to address all aspects of their divorce from the outset, making the problem seem overwhelming and causing them to feel that they don’t know where to start. I advise my clients to focus on a positive outcome, breaking the problem down into manageable stages and working together to find a strategy that generally achieves a faster and more effective result.

What makes working in Bath special?

It has been fun stepping out of my office into the latest Netflix drama! There’s a great variety of fabulous coffee shops whenever I need a change of scene and a caffeine hit. Most of all, there is a fantastic group of like-minded lawyers and other professionals across Bath who are great to work with.

and the loss, as a result, of a personal service to clients. To me that is the essence of being a private client lawyer and the time seemed right to set up a practice based on the premise of ‘service’ as opposed, purely, to profit. I was right. Clients tell me that they wish I had done it years before I did.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our ethos and our size, which facilitates us getting to know clients’ needs in depth. Many clients have moved to us from larger firms because they value the fact that we know and understand them (and ideally their families, too) and their particular needs. Many complain that in larger firms they never got to speak with the same person twice.

Here, they feel they can always get hold of the person they need, and that, if they cannot come to us, we will go to them at no additional cost.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 93

PROPERTY IMAGE COURTESY OF AL AN PHILLIPS ARCHITECTS / KNIGHT FR ANK

P L A C E S T O L I V E , W O R K A N D P L AY

Collaborations

ART & DESIGN above: Chesil Cliff

© GR AND DESIGNS / CHANNEL 4

House is due to go on the market at the end of this year; left: A chance meeting in Bath has led to Emma Rose working with Edward Short; below: The lighthouse pictured in 2019 on the Channel 4 show Grand Designs

How a chance encounter with a Grand Designs star has led a local artist to working on a famous Devon lighthouse For any regular viewer of the Channel 4 show Grand Designs, there was a certain memorable episode in October 2019 billed as ‘the saddest ever’. Edward Short and his then wife had embarked on the ambitious renovation of a North Devon lighthouse. It was revealed 18 months on, he was £4 million in debt, with an unfinished house and his marriage in tatters.

Thankfully the story does have a happy ending with Edward now living in Bath, engaged to a nurse, and that fated lighthouse in Croyde, known as Chesil Cliff House, due to go on the market with Knight Frank for £10 million at the end of this year.

A chance encounter with a local artist, Emma Rose, in a Bath coffee shop has also resulted in Emma providing the artwork for the project. Emma explains, “We met last November in a coffee shop queue in Bath. Edward admired my velvet coat of many colours and I said it was a birthday present and perfect because it was like my art.

“We got chatting and discovered that we both loved North Devon. He said he had a large project that would need artwork, and the association began. I went down to the site in June and had my breath taken away – the building is just incredible.

“Edward and I have become friends and collaborators, and I am just starting work on an enormous painting to go into the entrance hall. A second will follow for the living room.”

For more: www.emmaroseartworks.com / www.knightfrank.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 95

PROPERTY NEWS Award-winning

© PAUL R AF TERY

Bath Schools of Art & Design at Bath Spa University

by Grimshaw Architects has picked up a coveted design award from the Royal Institute of British Architects, winning a RIBA South West Award 2021.

In 1976 Grimshaw designed a single storey shed, a factory for furniture makers Hermann Miller on a riverside site in Bath. Much admired at the time for its hi-tech architectural language, it was subsequently listed Grade II, unusual for the work of a living architect.

In 2016, Bath Spa University approached Grimshaw to transform this former industrial building into its schools of art and design. It needed to be repurposed for its new function and, as importantly, upgraded to meet 21st century environmental standards.

South West jury chair Robert Sakula says, “Grimshaw took on what might have been a poisoned chalice with enthusiasm and creativity: the result is beautiful. This is an immensely complex project involving multiple stakeholders carried out with assurance and aplomb.”

For more: www.grimshaw.global / www.bathspa.ac.uk

© CHRIS WAKEFIELD

CHAMPION CAMPUS above: Grimshaw Architects originally designed riverside building for furniture makers Hermann Miller back in 1976; left: Grimshaw Architects have now won a RIBA South West Award 2021 for its redesign as a site for Bath Schools of Art & Design

Footprint project

GOING FOR A SONG As part of Bath Abbey’s Footprint project, a new purpose-built Song School for Bath Abbey’s choirs, visiting choirs and musicians is now completed.

The Song School has been in development for the last two and half years. These new facilities, thanks to a project team that includes building contractors, Emery; engineers, Buro Happold; and architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, feature a number of upgrades to the

96 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

previous choir vestry including a dedicated rehearsal space, changing rooms and a music library. The main rehearsal room, which is a double-storey oak-lined space, was designed with the necessary acoustics in mind, and will be large enough to comfortably fit 40 people.

Alex Morris, associate at Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, says “The new choir facilities are part of a series of reimagined spaces, hidden within the interior of the early 19th century Kingston Buildings, that are providing the facilities the Abbey need to deliver its full and varied religious, educational and community programme.

“Their refined new interiors have been created from largely redundant previously cramped, dark and damp basement spaces within the Georgian building, to form rehearsal spaces which are generous, warm and light, with acoustic characteristics designed specifically to suit choral music. We hope they will inspire those who use them.”

For more: www.bathabbey.org

above: Huw Williams, Bath Abbey boys’ choir and director of music attending choir practice in the new Song School; left: The new choir and music space is part of the Abbey’s Footprint project, a £19.3 million renovation programme of work

FINALIST

HENRIETTA GARDENS

£900,000

BATH, BA2 An opportunity to create a bespoke 5 bedroom house, full planning permission. Semi-detached house in a highly sought-after Parkside location. The layout as the house stands is entrance hall, 3 reception rooms including a conservatory, kitchen and utility room. Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (the third bedroom has been converted into a second bathroom).

Planning permission for a 5 bedroom house | Less than 5 minutes walk into central Bath | Quiet location overlooking the park Garden | Driveway parking for 3 cars.

Matthew Leonard Director

Lucy McIlroy Director

Denise Latham Lettings Manager

D’ORO HOUSE Matilda Walton discovers a contemporary masterpiece

98 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

PROPERTY

H

istory meets modernity in the exceptional contemporary, Georgian-style D’oro House in Church Street, Bathford.

It’s an historic site, directly opposite St. Swithuns Church where the original Bathford House once stood. Built by John Tyndale in 1686 in a style evocative of the west wing of Dyrham House, it was the first large, custom-built property in the village to reject the traditional Cotswold Vernacular style. Tragically, the property was destroyed in a fire on 29 November 1913 – which was, according to a graphic description in The Bath Chronicle, so fierce that only the walls remained. Amazingly, nobody was hurt.

The remarkable D’Oro House rose from the ashes to take its place just over a century later, and is an architectural masterpiece equal to its predecessor. A

virtuosic example of the fusion of contemporary design and classical proportions, the Bath stone property has stunning Georgian-style façades to the front and rear elevations and a commanding, grand air.

Inside is no different. The impressive reception hall with double height ceiling and stone cantilevered staircase is utterly breath-taking, with exquisite ceiling details, beautiful stone floors and a remarkable pair of glazed doors beckoning guests through to the drawing room. It’s the sort of spot from which a first-time visitor can’t help but take a moment to gaze in awe, before being led onward into the exceptional entertainment space beyond.

The drawing room is made for gatherings – the mahogany floors and fireplace give it a cosy feel, and it isn’t hard to imagine chilly winter evenings with friends, gathered around a crackling fire with a glass of something red. The drawing room flows naturally through pocket doors into the dining room and openplan kitchen/breakfast room beyond. It is a social space, perfect for bringing the family back together at the end of a long work day.

On the first floor, the magnificent galleried landing offers another incredible stop-and-stare point, meanwhile the luxurious principle bedroom extends to the entire width of the property – complete with beautifully

www.mediaclash.co.uk I BATH LIFE I 99

PROPERTY

appointed en suite bathroom and dressing room, of course.

Further to that on the second floor there are two more en suite bedrooms, a sitting room and an additional kitchen, offering the property an enviable level of flexibility. You might host a dinner party on the ground floor while the youths of the household hold their own shindig upstairs – or perhaps the second floor could comprise separate living accommodation, self-contained from the rest of the property.

Location-wise, the dreamy village of Bathford offers plenty of its own amenities – school, shop, post office, pub – with Bath a mere three miles away.

Utter luxury in a picturesque and sort-after locale, D’Oro House offers an exquisite opportunity for an exciting new beginning.

HOUSE NUMBERS Price POA Sq ft

6,802

Bedrooms

5

Bathrooms

5

For more: Savills Bath, Edgar House, 17 George Street Bath; www.savills.co.uk

100 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE 26 ISSUES FOR

£40

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

ISSUE 445 / 4 – 17 JUNE 2021/ £3

TAKE ME

INDIAN DELIGHTS AT

BANDOOK KITCHEN

PAPA’S GOT A BRAND NEW BIG BAG …AND OTHER AMAZING FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS

DAY TRIPPERS

INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS FOR FAMILY FUN ISSUE 445 / 4 – 17 JUNE 2021 / ROARING SUCCESS large version

Small versions

large version

Get yours for £40 for UK subscriptions (26 issues)

Small versions

Never miss an issue of Bath Life – get your own copy posted to you on the Friday the magazine comes out

GARAGE SOUNDS

EXPLORE A SMALL BUT PERFECT CITY CENTRE HOME

MEETING MRS MORGAN BECKY MORGAN ON HUEY, WELLNESS, AND MUSIC

AT HOME WITH ART

THE POWER OF ART TO SOOTHE OUR SOULS

www.mediaclash.co.uk/subscribe

INTO THE VALLEY

THE GLORIOUS GARDENS OF BATCOMBE HOUSE

SERVICES GUIDE HOME CARE

GUIDE to SERVICES in the

HOLIDAY RENTALS

CITY

75+ luxury properties for lets 2 nights to 5 months

TO ADVERTISE HERE CALL THE BATH LIFE TEAM ON 01225 475800

Holidays – For business – Friends & family – Temporary accommodation during renovation/relocation Contact: 01225 482 225 | bhr.office@bathholidayrentals.com www.bathholidayrentals.com Offering 4 & 5 star holiday rentals since 2006

CONTRACTOR

STONE SPECIALIST

2

d 197

lishe

Estab

D R Vowles & Son Ltd are highly reputable roofing contractors based in Bath, Somerset. We provide premier roofing services for residential, commercial and industrial clients with properties throughout the south west.

For more information please call Liz today

01225 425232

Upper Weston Farm, Weston, BATH BA1 4HL

drvowlesandson.co.uk

Luxury & local The most sophisticated audience is just a call away

Repairs, Restoration • Alteration of Stone Buildings New Build • Stone Cleaning • Stone Carving • Fireplaces

JEWELLERY

Nigel Dando WE BUY Gold, Silver & Platinum in any form or condition.

Nigel Dando

✆ 01225 475800

11 Pulteney Bridge, Bath BA2 4AY Tel/Fax: 01225 464013 www.nigeldando.co.uk

BATH LIVES

“Being a keener, I wrote an extra verse to a hymn” way to rectify that was to write adventures of my own.

I’ve also been a lifeguard, an accountant at a juggling company, a radio newsreader,

JOANNA NADIN The children’s author on winning a BAFTA, falling off pavements, and pretending to be John Prescott A former broadcast journalist and special adviser to the Prime Minister, since leaving politics Joanna Nadin has written more than 80 books for children and adults, including the bestselling Flying Fergus series with Sir Chris Hoy, the Carnegie Medal-nominated Joe All Alone, which is now a BAFTAwinning BBC drama, and the critically acclaimed The Talk of Pram Town.

Her latest series for 5-8 year olds is the hilarious The Worst Class in the World, illustrated by Rikin Parekh. She also freelances as a ghostwriter and is a senior lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Bristol.

I grew up in a small, ordinary town in Essex, wishing I was

somewhere else and someone else, something I spent much of my life doing until I realised writing could let me be anyone and anywhere I wanted.

106 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk

I was what was called a ‘keener’ at school; I loved maths with

a passion, and getting answers right in general. I found English tedious though – I couldn’t understand why we were forced to read grown-up books like Silas Marner when there were Joan Aikens aplenty.

Being a keener, I wrote an extra verse to a hymn, which

our headmaster, who was also the vicar, printed out and stuck in everyone’s books, so I suppose that was also my first publication.

I wanted the kind of life that was so exciting someone would write about it one day. So all

the jobs I did were an attempt to make this happen – from theatre to TV to politics. It wasn’t until I was sitting in the basement of Number 10 thinking ‘well, this isn’t like The West Wing at all’ that I realised life was never as exciting as it seemed on TV or in novels, and the only

the autocue girl for the ITV evening news, John Prescott in disguise for his agony uncle column, a Woolworth’s record counter assistant, and a wardrobe assistant at Hull Truck Theatre, washing Roland Gift’s jogging bottoms on a daily basis. The worst was a summer job replacing the month of March in thousands of Filofaxes, because they’d printed a date wrong.

I write quickly, which comes from a background in journalism and speechwriting.

So a thousand words a day usually making it 80 to a 100 writing days for an adult novel and much less for a children’s one. But I’ll have planned for months before I start writing. I don’t put a word on the page until I know exactly what will happen in each chapter.

I don’t go near Amazon or Goodreads reviews as I don’t

like to torture myself. I read the ones in broadsheets, tabloids and national magazines or positive ones if I’m tagged by bloggers.

I tend to avoid all sport and exercise, but I took up ice skating at 40 years old, and got

to Grade 5 very quickly but then they closed the lovely old Bristol rink, so am currently skateless.

I can sing the books of the Bible off by heart, which is unpleasant

for everyone when I do it, but occasionally useful in pub quizzes.

I’m rereading Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara, which is a wonderful,

funny, heartbreaking adult novel narrated by a nine-year-old

boy, and the very clever Following Frankenstein by Catherine Bruton, which takes up the eponymous story with the daughter of Robert Walton hunting down the monster’s son.

I own an old House of Lords bakelite telephone, which was

a gift when I left politics. It might even work, but I’m scared to plug it in and try. Technology baffles me.

I live in Camden, with a view over the valley at the back and

the trees up near St Stephen’s at the front, so I get the best of everything I think – balloons rising in the early hours of the morning, and the stream trains occasionally puffing along the track parallel to the river.

I spend every Friday in Boston Tea Party on Alfred Street,

writing with a couple of friends, and eating enormous quantities of toast and Marmite. I also had some lovely beetroot cured salmon at Walcot House a few weeks ago, but really, the toast and Marmite is a hands down winner.

My favourite Bath indie shop is Jack and Danny’s on Walcot Street for vintage dresses that

smell like my Cornish grandma’s damp wardrobe. An acquired taste I admit, but one I love.

My biggest achievement, other than raising a child and getting her through A-levels in a pandemic with

her mental health fairly intact, was winning a BAFTA. My biggest regret is falling off the pavement on Walcot Street the day before the ceremony so I couldn’t actually go. n Joanna is holding a Finding Your Funny writing workshop at Bath Forum on 27 September as part of the Children’s Literature festival (turn to page 52 for more literary and author events); www.bathfestivals.org.uk